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Sunday Fulham Stuff - 17/10/21...

Started by WhiteJC, October 16, 2021, 02:29:30 PM

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WhiteJC

Results



Saturday
Fulham
4-1
QPR
Rovers
2-2
Coventry
Bristol City
0-2
Bournemouth
Huddersfield
2-0
Hull
Middlesborough
2-0
Peterborough
Millwall
0-2
Luton
Forest
2-1
Blackpool
Preston NE
0-0
Derby
Reading
1-0
Barnsley
Sheff Utd
2-1
Stoke

WhiteJC

#1
Fulham 4-1 Queens Park Rangers


Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored in seven of his past nine London derbies (excluding play-offs)

Aleksandar Mitrovic's double helped Fulham go third in the Championship table, cruising past west London rivals Queens Park Rangers at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic opened the scoring in the 10th minute after he chested down a Denis Odoi cross and volleyed the ball into the bottom corner on the turn.

After QPR's Lyndon Dykes equalised in the 54th minute, the Serbian headed Fulham back in front with his 12th league goal of the season from a Neeskens Kebano delivery in the 67th minute.

Four minutes later Bobby Decordova-Reid added a third, slotting the ball into the far corner.And the Championship's leading scorers made it 4-1 in injury time as Antonee Robinson's long-range effort deflected in off Rangers defender Jordy de Wijs.

Serbia international Mitrovic came into the match having netted six goals in his past five appearances for the Cottagers.

And after he scored his early opener he was denied an instant second thanks to two point-blank saves from Rangers keeper Seny Dieng.

QPR improved as the half went on, with Chris Willock striking the post five minutes before the break.

After the restart Willock set up Scotland international Dykes, who rounded Fulham stopper Marek Rodak to score in his fourth consecutive match for club and country.

But Fulham were pegged back for just 12 minutes as Mitrovic added his second before Decordova-Reid and Robinson ensured all three points went to Marco Silva's side.

QPR missed out on the chance to leapfrog their rivals in the Championship table and have now lost 11 of their last 15 matches against Fulham.

The hosts are two points off a spot in the automatic promotion places before the 3pm games kick off.




https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58853026

WhiteJC

Post-QPR Press Conference

Marco Silva was keen to emphasise the impact of the supporters after Saturday's 4-1 London derby victory over Queens Park Rangers.

"Important result for us," said our Head Coach. "The way we are winning it is important as well, pleased to see a good reaction from ourselves.

"We spoke the last few days when I had all the squad together, apart from Bobby (De Cordova-Reid) who arrived later, about what happened about the last game, how we should and must react about the adversity that can happen in a game.

"Pleased to see first the way we started the game, congratulations to our players and to our fans as well, good atmosphere in our stadium.

"After a bad result, they welcome us in the beginning of the match, the way they pushed the team up as well was really important.

"We start winning in that moment in my opinion."

Fulham led 1-0 at half-time after a well taken half-volley from Aleksander Mitrovic, but Lyndon Dykes equalised for QPR in the 55thminute. Before the game Silva had spoken of learning the lessons from the second half collapse against Coventry two weeks ago and was pleased to see his side do exactly that.

"I had short conversation with them at the end of the match, congratulations for the result, commitment, attitude," our boss explained. "Ok this is what we should do when something goes wrong, adversity, mistakes from ourselves, or someone else, because against Coventry it was ourselves and the referee which changed completely the direction of the game with that penalty.

"But we should react in a different way, and we did this afternoon, and I was pleased to see it.

"Going home with that good feeling of winning a derby for our fans as well, pleased to see the smiles on their faces at the end of the match."

With his brace today Mitrović now has scored 12 goals this season in as many games, and Silva heaped praise on the striker who is clearly in red-hot form.

"Really important player for us," he stated. "Since the first day I met him, I spoke with him on the phone, I was clear with him what I would demand from him, what I expect from him for his future at this football club.

"Scoring important goals for us, but Mitro is not just a player who can score, the way we want to play, the way he can link our game as well.

"The way I am seeing him working more and more without the ball, he knows that is something I am demanding more from him.

"You know Mitro, if you create well and he is in the box, he can punish the opposition like he did this afternoon."




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/october/16/post-qpr-press-conference/


WhiteJC

Fulham 4-1 QPR: FLW reports as Whites take bragging rights in west London derby

Two quick-fire second-half goals proved crucial in giving Fulham the bragging rights in the west London derby with Queens Park Rangers on Saturday lunchtime, with the hosts running out 4-1 victors at Craven Cottage.

These two sides both have promotion credentials this year and were looking to underline those against one another, with this their first game back in Championship action after the international break.

Indeed, it was the Whites who started the brightest from the get-go, with them taking the lead early on through Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The Serbian, bringing down a looping Denis Odoi cross from the right-hand side, managed to wrestle free of the attentions of Rob Dickie before swivelling and rifling home past Seny Dieng at his near post.

It was a fabulously taken goal from Fulham's no.9, though the Cottagers would not build on it before the break.

Indeed, the closest they would come would again be via Mitrovic, but his close-range shot was blocked well by Rob Dickie after a good run and square pass from Harry Wilson down the right.

For Rangers, the first half was one of frustration in truth, and also one of few chances. They did, though, have one big opportunity to go into the break on level terms but Chris Willock's shot clanged the post after he collected Moses Odubajo's shanked attempt.

In the search of spark for the second half, Mark Warburton rolled his dice and brought on Lyndon Dykes to partner Charlie Austin, with Dominic Ball the man sacrificed as the Hoops looked to be a little more offensive.

It paid off pretty quickly, too, with the Scottish international, fresh from a productive spell away with the Tartan Army, rounding Marek Rodak and rolling home for 1-1 after latching onto Chris Willock's precise through ball.

It sent the away end into raptures, too, and the game was certainly nicely poised at this point.

However, as mentioned, the match was taken away from Rangers by their west London rivals in a five-minute blitz around the 20 minute to go mark.

First, Mitrovic bagged his and Fulham's second with another top finish. Neeskens Kebano checked onto his right foot on the left-hand side and dug out a cross, one that was deftly guided home by the Serb in off the far post.

Then, Bobby Decordova-Reid effectively killed the contest, though midfielder Jean Michael Seri deserves huge credit for his part in the goal.

The midfielder looked up, threaded a ball through from deep and found Decordova-Reid who bore in on goal from the right-hand side of the box. Making no mistake, the no.14 drove home across Dieng for 3-1 and essentially three points for the home side.

A strong win for Fulham, then, rounded off by Antonee Robinson's deflected effort to make it 4-1 and a tough day for QPR who, at 1-1, will have felt anything was possible result-wise.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-4-1-qpr-flw-reports-as-whites-take-bragging-rights-in-west-london-derby/

WhiteJC

'So average', 'Weak link' – Plenty of Fulham fans question one man despite QPR win

Fulham beat QPR 4-1 in the Championship today.

Fulham hosted their west London neighbours QPR in today's early kick-off in the Championship, with the home side starting the day in 5th compared to the visitors in 6th.

And ti was Marco Silva's side who took the lead going into half-time thanks to Aleksandar Mitrovic's 11th Championship goal of the season so far.

QPR came out form half-time looking refreshed and found an equaliser soon after through Lyndon Dykes, but Mitrovic would head Fulham back in front before Bobby Decordova-Reid found a third, with Antonee Robinson scoring a fourth in injury time.

It was a commanding performance from Fulham but Dennis Odoi came under questioning yet again – he was blamed by some for Dykes' equaliser, in what was another contested performance from the defender.



https://the72.co.uk/253384/so-average-weak-link-plenty-of-fulham-fans-question-one-man-despite-qpr-win/

WhiteJC


Fulham 4-1 QPR: Aleksandar Mitrovic's double inspires hosts to big derby win

Report from the Sky Bet Championship clash between Fulham and QPR at Craven Cottage; Fulham up to third after 4-1 victory over QPR; Aleksandar Mitrovic has now scored 54 goals in 94 Championship games; QPR drop to eighth after defeat

Aleksandar Mitrovic's fine goalscoring form continued as his double helped fire Fulham to a 4-1 victory over west London rivals QPR at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic, the leading scorer in the Championship with 12 goals, took just 10 minutes to open the scoring, powering a low shot past QPR goalkeeper Seny Dieng to give the hosts a deserved lead going into the break.

However, QPR found a response after the interval as half-time substitute Lyndon Dykes made an instant impact, latching onto Chris Willock's through ball before rounding Marek Rodak to bring the visitors level.

However, parity between the two sides lasted just 12 minutes as two goals in four minutes from Mitrovic, who now has eight goals in his last six Championship appearances, and Bobby Decordova-Reid swung the game in Fulham's favour before Antonee Robinson's late deflected strike put the finishing touch on an excellent afternoon for Marco Silva and his side.

The result sees Fulham bounce back from a difficult 4-1 defeat to Coventry before the international break and the three points mean they move up to third.

Meanwhile, QPR see their two-game winning run ended as Mark Warburton's side drop to eighth.

Fulham started on the front foot in front of their own fans, and it paid dividends as Mitrovic brought down Denis Odoi's cross on his chest before powering a low strike past Dieng.

It was all Fulham in the opening stages and Mitrovic went close to a second, but on this occasion, Dieng reacted well to make a smart block to keep out the Serbia striker's flicked header.

The hosts continued to press for a second as shots from Jean Michael Seri and Harry Wilson were deflected behind, but it never came as QPR started to build a foothold in the match.

Despite hardly testing goalkeeper Rodak in the opening 45 minutes, Mark Warburton's side were inches from an equaliser as Willock's shot rattled the woodwork after he was picked out by Moses Odubajo.

Despite that opportunity, Warburton had seen enough after QPR's lacklustre first-half display and sent on Dykes for Dominic Ball, with the Scotland striker going to play alongside Charlie Austin in what was an attacking change for the visitors.

The move handed QPR an instant reward and Willock's pass released Dykes, who took the ball around Rodak before finding the back of the net from a tight angle.

After a superb start to the second half and the goal, you'd have been forgiven for thinking the momentum was now with the visitors, but it was Fulham's turn to respond.

They did it in fine style and it was that man Mitrovic who restored their lead, guiding Neeskens Kebano's cross past Dieng and into the far corner for his 54th goal in 94 Championship games.

The game was made safe just four minutes later as Decordova-Reid latched onto Seri's through ball and clinically found the far corner.

There was still time for another as Robinson's late strike took a wicked deflection to wrong foot Dieng and add the finishing touch to a valuable victory for the hosts.

What the managers said...
Fulham's Marco Silva: "It was an important result for us. It was pleasing to see such a good reaction from ourselves. We spoke about what happened in the last game.

"I was pleased to see how we started the game and we should have scored the second goal to be a little bit more comfortable.

"QPR had a good reaction. They never give up and unfortunately we didn't start the second half the way we wanted, but then it was a fantastic reaction in adversity and we deserved the three points. They are three important points as well.

"I had a short conversation with the players at the end of the match and said that this is what you should do when something goes wrong, in adversity.

"Against Coventry we should have reacted in a different way. I'm pleased to see we did today and pleased to see the smiles on the fans at the end of a derby match."

QPR's Mark Warburton: "There was a bit of a softness about us in the first half which is very unlike us. You can play all the nice football you like, but in terms of duels and challenges you've got to do the basics. We showed a bit too much respect in the first half.

"[Mitrovic] is a talented forward but he had time to bring the ball down in the box and finish. We had to be tighter on him.

"He had every chance to bring a lofted cross down and have a strike at goal. I didn't see Charlie Austin getting that much time today.

"I'm not being industrial here, but I'd like to think that their attacking players came off sore today. I don't mean because of park-type football but you've got to be strong with your challenges and the first contact.

"There's an old saying about earning the right to play. I don't think we earned that right today."

Man of the match - Aleksandar Mitrovic
It was business as usual for Mitrovic, who scored two brilliant goals to take his tally to 12 for the season. He is the leading scorer in the Championship and also the leading scorer in English football.

Sky Sports' Keith Andrews:

"It's a no-brainer. Whenever I'm in the stadium this fella just scores goals. Two quality, quality goals, and different types too. He's their talisman and he leads them to victory again. He's a top striker."

Former Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on Sky Sports:

"This league is one league he's dominated for a number of seasons now. He's been an instrumental player for Fulham in their challenge to get promoted again and this season again he's started with tremendous form."

What's next?
QPR are back in action on Tuesday night as they host Blackburn in a 7.45pm kick-off. Fulham welcome Cardiff to Craven Cottage on Wednesday night (also 7.45pm). Both games are live on the Sky Sports Football Red Button and the Sky Sports app.



https://www.skysports.com/football/fulham-vs-queens-park-rangers/report/447472


WhiteJC

Mitrovic scores twice as Fulham thump QPR

Aleksander Mitrovic scored twice as Fulham returned to winning ways in comfortable fashion in the west London derby at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic scored Fulham's first and then second goal after Rangers had equalised through Lyndon Dyke,s with substitute Bobby Decordova-Reid and a Jordy de Wijs deflection adding some extra late gloss to the scoreline.

The Whites dominated the opening exchanges and took a deserved lead after just 11 minutes when Mitrovic's superb shot on the turn from a Neeskens Kebano cross found the bottom right corner.

The big Serb almost doubled his side's lead from a corner that Rangers failed to deal with, but Seny Dieng made two fine close-range saves to deny him a second goal.

Chris Willock almost put the visitors on level terms when he brought down a Moses Odubajo cross but his stinging half-volley rattled the inside of the post.

Fulham continued to press before half-time with Harry Wilson shooting just wide as Rangers went to the break fortunate to be only a goal down.

R's boss Mark Warburton withdrew the struggling Dom Ball at half-time for Dykes to partner Charlie Austin up front and the move paid instant dividends with the Scotland striker levelling the scores with a smart finish after Willock split the Fulham defence with a fine ball.

The goal led to the visitors' best spell of the game but the introduction of Antonee Robinson for the injured Joe Bryan turned the game back in Fulham's favour – Robinson had a big hand in all three of Fulham's second-half goals.

His driving run set up Mitorovic's second, with Kebano once again putting the ball into the box with a smart cross with the striker beating Dieng with a fine header.

Decordova-Reid wrapped up the three points when he escaped Jimmy Dunne and fired into the bottom corner to finish off a smart move started by Robinson who then saw his speculative effort canon off De Wijs and into the net late in the game.

Fulham: Rodak, Odoi, Ream, Adarabioyo, Bryan (Robinson 55), Reed, Seri, Ivan Cavaleiro (De Cordova-Reid 33), Wilson (Chalobah 70) Kebano, Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Cairney, Rodrigo Muniz, Gazzaniga, Mawson.

QPR: Dieng, Dickie, De Wijs, Barbet, Odubajo, Ball (Dykes 45), Johansen, McCallum (Dunne 65), Chair, Willock, Austin (Gray 70).
Subs not used: Amos, Archer, Adomah, Duke-Mckenna.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/mitrovic-scores-twice-as-fulham-thump-qpr

WhiteJC

Fulham 4-1 QPR: Aleksandar Mitrovic nets his 11th and 12th league goals of the season to help Marco Silva's side earn bragging rights over rivals

Β  Β  Fulham thrashed west London rivals 4-1 in the Championship's early kick-off
Β  Β  Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice to go top of the league's top scorers list
Β  Β  Fulham are now third, two points behind league leaders West Brom

An Aleksandar Mitrovic headed brace capped off an eviscerating striker's performance to slam the door shut on west London rivals Queens Park Rangers and sit top of the Championship's top scorers list.

The Serbian was in a ruthless mood as he pushed, pulled and wound up his opponents all afternoon β€” and struck two dainty headers either side of the interval for good measure.

If Fulham are to navigate this minefield of a league, this man in-form will be gold dust. But QPR will be displeased with their backline's timid nature. They looked terrified of the striker at times.


Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring with a thumping strike past Seny Dieng

On his side's talisman, Fulham manager Marco Silva said: 'He (Mitrovic) is a really important player for us. Since the first day I met him, I spoke with him on the phone and was clear what I would demand from him.

'He scores important goals for us but also links play and works off the ball. If he's in the box, he can punish the opponent like he did this afternoon.'

Fifth and sixth respectively and with west London derby bragging right on the line, the Cottagers and Rangers were each here to prove their top-six credentials.

This was particularly true for Silva's side, who were embarrassed 4-1 by Coventry before the international break.


Lyndon Dykes put the Hoops level after he rounded Marek Rodak just before the hour mark


Mitrovic regained Fulham's lead 12 minutes later with a looping header inside the box


The opener on 10 minutes was classic Mitrovic. As right back Denis Odoi whipped in a floated cross, the ball sat in the air.

The predatory instincts of this in-form striker came to light; he commanded his way in front of defender Robert Dickie and chested the ball down.

From there he used muscle to push his opponent away, and then a swivelled finish into the corner past Rangers goalkeeper Seny Dieng.

As is often with such strikers, the adage of 'give an inch and they will take a mile' was pertinent as Mitrovic nearly doubled the score twice in the following 10 minutes.

Rangers struck the post four minutes before the interval. Chris Willock, a shining light within the away side, made crisp contact outside the box but goalkeeper Marek Rodak pulled off a solid save.

The break had done wonders for QPR, with the team coming out with a renewed vigour.

Willock's through ball found striker Lyndon Dykes, whose initial heavy touch guided him past the onrushing Rodak, and he struck into an empty net.

It helped ignite a cagey, back-and-forth affair in front of a crowd baying for points but Rangers failed to answer that call.

Neeskens Kebano delivered a looping cross from the left wing aiming for only one man β€” Mitrovic.

He put out an arm to guide defender Jordy de Wijs into no man's land and then deftly nodded the ball home on 67 minutes.


Bobby Decordova-Reid secured the three points for Fulham with a low driven shot


Antonee Robinson piled on QPR's misery with a deflected shot in additional time


QPR manager Mark Warburton was left seething with his defence and said: 'We had a softness to us in periods of the game and that was not like us.

'I think we showed too much respect in the first half, summed up by the first goal. He (Mitrovic) is a talented forward of course, but he has time to bring the ball down in the box to finish. That can't happen.'

This goal knocked the air out of the visitors so when Reid collected Jean Michael Seri's through ball to strike home, the match was more than wrapped up. Antonee Robinson added the gloss with the fourth goal in injury time.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10098875/Fulham-4-1-QPR-Mitrovic-hits-double-Marco-Silvas-men-Championship.html

WhiteJC

Tactical change paid off for Fulham – Silva

Fulham boss Marco Silva savoured his side's victory over QPR in the west London derby.

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice in a 4-1 triumph for the Whites at Craven Cottage.

Silva felt a tactical change helped pave the way for a handsome win.

"We made changes to Harry Wilson by putting him outside on the right, and Bobby Decordova-Reid inside to help us put more of a press – and we had a fantastic reaction," Silva explained.

"I had a short conversation with the players after the game and told them that's the way to react to adversity."

On a less positive note for Silva, Joe Bryan and Ivan Cavaliero picked up injuries and could miss Wednesday's game against Cardiff.

Cavaliero aggravated a knock and Bryan was hurt while trying to prevent Lyndon Dykes scoring QPR's goal.

Silva said: "Ivan had one or two issues during the week, and we tried to protect him one or two days.

"Joe Bryan collided with a post. It doesn't look too serious, but we have to find out over the next one or two days how they are."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-says-tactical-change-was-key-to-win-over-qpr-but-injured-fulham-duo-could-miss-cardiff-game


WhiteJC

Mitrovic on the double as Fulham romp to victory over QPR in west London derby
Rangers have not beaten neighbours Fulham in their past seven derbies.

TWO GOALS IN four second-half minutes swung a pulsating west London derby in Fulham's favour as they overcame QPR 4-1 at Loftus Road.

Aleksandar Mitrovic headed his second goal of the game in the 66th minute before substitute Bobby Decordova-Reid slid home to re-affirm Fulham's status as promotion challengers.

Another replacement, Antonee Robinson, sealed an impressive win in injury-time with a deflected shot.

As has become their wont this season, Marco Silva's side started brightly and took the lead after 10 minutes. A searching cross-field ball from Jean Michael Seri set up an attack down the right wing.

It ended with Denis Odoi swinging over a cross which Mitrovic chested down before holding off Rob Dickie and swivelling to send the ball scuttling into the Rangers net.

The Serb almost made it 2-0 twice in a minute. First, he was allowed to collect the ball in space on the left and cut inside and his shot would have nestled in the top corner but for the despairing lunge of Dickie, who deflected the ball over the bar.

From the resulting corner, Mitrovic's flicked header from point-blank range was stopped on the line by the head of Rangers goalkeeper Seny Dieng, who had no time to react.

Gradually the visitors forced their way into the match. Patient Rangers build-up six minutes before the interval ended with Moses Odubajo slicing a left-foot shot straight to Chris Willock. The striker swung through his shot which thudded against the Fulham post and away to safety.

Within seconds, play had switched to the other end where Harry Wilson drove to the by-line and his pull-back into Mitrovic's path looked certain to end in a second goal for the home side only for Dickie to once again throw his body in the way of the Serb's shot.

QPR were level 10 minutes into the second half. Rangers manager Mark Warburton, on his first day back following a positive Covid diagnosis, brought on Scotland World Cup qualifying hero Lyndon Dykes at half-time and saw the striker finish off a fine move for the equaliser.

Charlie Austin slipped a cute ball into the path of Willock who galloped forward before finding Dykes, who rounded Fulham keeper Marek Rodek and found the empty net.

Fulham lost defender Joe Bryan as he collided with the post in that incident. His replacement, Robinson, was involved in the move which saw them restore their lead.

Neeskens Kebano swung over a cross which Mitrovic cleverly headed into the far corner for his 12th goal of the season.

Seri then fed Decordova-Reid with another astute pass and watched the substitute slide his shot past Dieng.

The final ignominy for Rangers, who have not beaten Fulham in their past seven derbies, came in injury-time when Robinson's hopeful shot as he skipped forward took a decisive touch off Jordy De Wijs to wrong-foot Dieng.




https://www.the42.ie/fulham-v-qpr-5576682-Oct2021/

WhiteJC

3 Fulham players who stood out in big win v QPR

Fulham were a yo-yo side under Scott Parker during his time with the Londoners. Promotion to the Premier League saw them drop straight back down.

Fulham fans saw this pattern repeated last season, Parker moving on to Bournemouth during the summer. His replacement, Marco Silva, is busily forging a Fulham side in his own image.

Ahead of kick-off vs QPR today, the Cottagers stood in 5th place – five points from the automatic promotion places. Against a good QPR side, it looked like a typically close London derby was on the cards.

However, the home side started to rip up the cards early, Aleksandar Mitrovic (10β€²) giving the hosts an early lead. It was to stay that way in what was an even half of football.

The second 45 was to prove to be where the action was at and it was QPR who started that ball rolling with Lyndon Dykes (55β€²) equalising for the Rs. That was to be a parity that was short-lived.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (67β€²) scored his second of the game to restore Fulham's lead before Bobby De Cordova-Reid (71β€²) quickly extended it. It was an uphill battle from there and once that QPR failed to peg back. In fact, Antonee Robinson (91β€²) put the cherry on top with Fulham's fourth of the afternoon.

Here are three players who really stood out for Marco Silva's Fulham side in the big win vs QPR.

Aleksandar Mitrovic – WhoScored rating 9.66
Mitrovic continued to demonstrate his unquestionable class with another two goals, taking his tally to 12 this season in 12 games. However, his game today was more than just goals.

He was strong in the air, winning four headers and also on the ground with two tackles. He was also solid in possession and his distribution (77%) was more than accurate – 24 of his passes finding their intended targets.

It was always likely to be a display capped by those two goals but the Serbian showed that he has an all-around game that is easily more than a match for the Championship.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – WhoScored rating 7.53
A goal is always looked on favourably and De Cordova-Reid obliged (71β€²) with Fulham's 3rd of the game. Reid started on the bench but came on as a 32nd-minute substitute for the injured Ivan Cavaleiro.

That was his 3rd of the season to go alongside three assists – marking him out as a dual-threat player. Ridiculously accurate (94%), he connected with 16 of his 17 pass attempts in the game,

He also completed one dribble, one tackle and one interception as he helped out defensively when required to. A performance that he will no doubt be glad to take forward into Fulham's next match.

Neeskens Kebano – WhoScored rating 7.52
Right-sided attacker Kebano weighed in with an assist for Mitrovic's second goal of the afternoon. He was another whose performance where the whole was more than its constituent parts.

He was highly accurate (90%) with 18 of his 20 passes finding their intended targets with two of these ending as key passes and chances for teammates.

He was a constant thorn in QPR's side and helped to drive the Cottagers to victory.

Data derived from the Fulham vs QPR match profile on the WhoScored website.



https://the72.co.uk/253387/3-fulham-players-who-stood-out-in-big-win-v-qpr/

WhiteJC

Mitrovic double demolishes QPR

In this sort of mood, Aleksandar Mitrovic is unplayable. The imposing Serbian centre forward delivered a display of classical hold up play and penalty area ruthlessness to take this lunchtime's west London derby decisively away from Queens Park Rangers, just when Mark Warburton's men appeared poised to profit from further Fulham complacency. The Whites, who looked so formidable in August, had been punished for taking their foot off the gas at Coventry before the international break and, after substitute Lyndon Dykes had cancelled out Mitrovic's thumping opener, more frustration seemed in store for Marco Silva's side. But Mitrovic restored Fulham's advantage with a superb header – and the hosts ended up romping away from their local rivals.

The number nine was critical to both of Fulham's previous promotions from the Championship – providing the missing link for Slavisa Jokanovic's side when joining on loan from Newcastle and becoming a regular source of goals under Scott Parker. His absence from Parker's struggling team last season might have brought the curtain down on his Craven Cottage career but Silva's return to English football and the adoption of an adventurous approach to an immediate return to the top flight has seen the side constructed around Mitrovic's considerable talents. With Jean-Michael Seri imperious in the engine room and Tom Cairney fit enough to be named amongst the substitutes, things are looking up at London's oldest professional football club.

Fulham made a bright start to what felt like a crucial derby, pinging passes through the midfield and penning Rangers back. Mitrovic opened the scoring after ten minutes with a goal that showcased all of his ability. Seri, who sparkled throughout from his deep-lying playmaker position, began a flowing move with a glorious switch of play out to Neeskens Kebano on the right. Denis Odoi galloped forward from full back and delivered a deep cross to the back post. Mitrovic held off Rob Dickie easily to bring the ball under spell and rifled a low drive between Seny Dieng and the near post.

The hosts might have had further goals before the break. Dieng did brilliantly to deny Mitrovic twice in quick succession from Harry Wilson's corner, before Dickie denied the former Newcastle forward an almost certain second with a saving challenge after a superb run down the right flank from the Welsh winger. Rangers offered little as an attacking force, with Charlie Austin blazing over from the edge of the area, but can within a whisker of equalising just before the equaliser when Chris Willock clipped the outside of the far post after being brilliantly picked out by Moses Odubajo.

Fulham made a fast start to the second period, but Dieng did well to spread himself and deny Kebano after the winger had raced onto a lovely through ball from Harrison Reed and Rangers, who had more firepower up front after Dykes had replaced Dominic Ball during the interval, found an equaliser nine minutes after half time. Odoi criminally surrendered possession, giving Willock time and space to run at the Fulham defence and the former Arsenal midfielder threaded a through ball between the hosts' retreating centre halves. Dykes darted around the stranded Marek Rodak and lifted in the equaliser that suddenly had the game in the balance.

Silva, who had already lost Ivan Cavaleiro to injury in the first half, was forced into another alteration in the aftermath of the goal as Joe Bryan had collided painfully with both the post and Tim Ream in a desperate attempt to block Dykes' finish. Fulham had wilted alarmingly from a similar position at Coventry a fortnight ago, but Harrison Reed was determined to drag his team-mates forward. He clapped his hands and bellowed encouragement after the Rangers equaliser and took matters into his own hands shortly afterwards, surging into a shooting position some 35 yards from goal and his low shot was narrowly off target.

Antonee Robinson seized the opportunity to impress after replacing Bryan and raced down the left flank to add impetus to another Fulham attack. The American international released the ball intelligently for Kebano, who checked onto his right foot and floated a delicious ball for Mitrovic to attack. The Serbian cleverly manoeuvred Jordy de Wijs out of the way with his arm before brilliantly looping a header over Dieng and into the net via the far post. It took just four minutes for Fulham to find breathing space when a sumptuous pass from Seri released Bobby Decordova-Reid, whose accurate finish across Dieng made it three.

The Rangers goalkeeper saved well from Kebano, whose lively display down the left probably merited a goal of his own, but had no such luck in injury time when Robinson's speculative strike from long range took a hefty deflection off de Wijs, leaving him completely stranded. Fulham's strong finish looked unlikely after Dykes' leveller, but was a welcome reward for a much-needed display of the sort of character necessary to tackle the unpredictability of the Championship.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Odoi, Bryan (Robinson 58), Adarabioyo, Ream; Reed, Seri; Kebano, Cavaleiro (Decordova-Reid 32), Wilson (Chalobah 77); Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Gazzaniga, Mawson, Cairney, Muniz.

GOALS: Mitrovic (10, 67), Decordova-Reid (71), Robinson (90+1).

QUEENS PARK RANGERS (3-4-2-1): Dieng; Dickie, de Wijs, Barbet; Odubajo, McCallum (Dunne 66), Ball (Dykes 45), Johansen; Willock, Chair; Austin (Gray 69). Subs (not used): Archer, Amos, Adomah.

BOOKED: Ball, Johansen, Odubajo, Dunne.

GOAL: Dykes (54).

REFEREE: Oliver Langford (West Midlands).

ATTENDANCE: 18,371.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/mitrovic-double-demolishes-qpr/


WhiteJC

'Reality check' – Plenty of QPR fans vent their frustration after Fulham defeat

QPR fell to a 4-1 defeat at Craven Cottage in the West London derby on Saturday.

With both sides chasing promotion this season, this was always going to be a game that had an extra edge on top of it being a derby match.

However, it wasn't a good day at the office for Mark Warburton's side as they struggled to match Fulham in the second half after a slow start to the first 45.

Fulham did take the lead through Mitrovic with Rob Dickie unable to match the Serbian's strength. QPR then equalised ten minutes into the second half as Lyndon Dykes rounded the keeper after some brilliant work from Willock but that was it for them as Fulham started to take control.

A five-minute spell proved to be the difference as Fulham swung the game completely in their favour with Mitrovic grabbing his second, before Bobby Decordova-Reid grabbed Fulham's third and Antonee Robinson put the icing on the cake for Fulham in the 90th minute.

The defending from QPR and lack of control in the game was highlighted by supporters as they took their frustrations to Twitter.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/reality-check-plenty-of-qpr-fans-vent-their-frustration-after-fulham-defeat/

WhiteJC

Silva salutes Fulham's response to adversity

Marco Silva was delighted that Fulham recovered from conceding a second half equaliser to go on and convincingly win the West London derby at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

QPR substitute Lyndon Dykes cancelled out Aleksandar Mitrovic's opener within nine minutes of coming on at half time, but Fulham produced the perfect response to ruthlessly dispatch their local rivals – with Mitrovic, Decordova-Reid and Antonee Robinson adding further goals as the Whites romped to a 4-1 win.

Silva told his post-match press conference that he was pleased with Fulham's reaction following a disappointing defeat in similar circumstances at Coventry City a fortnight ago.

"An important result for us. The way we are winning it is important as well, pleased to see a good reaction from ourselves. We spoke the last few days when I had all the squad together about what happened about the last game, how we should and must react about the adversity that can happen in a game.

I had short conversation with them at the end of the match, congratulations for the result, commitment, attitude. Ok this is what we should do when something goes wrong, adversity, mistakes from ourselves, or someone else, because against Coventry it was ourselves and the referee which changed completely the direction of the game with that penalty.

But we should react in a different way, and we did this afternoon, and I was pleased to see it. Going home with that good feeling of winning a derby for our fans as well, pleased to see the smiles on their faces at the end of the match."

Silva also felt that a tactical switch, moving Bobby Decordova-Reid into the number ten role after QPR's equaliser, held the key to tilting what had become a tight contest Fulham's way.

"We changed the position of Harry and Bobby at 1-1, we tried to put Harry wide and Bobby inside to improve our first pressure. It wasn't good in that first moment but straight away we pressed higher and better as well. We found the right moments to cause them problems."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/silva-salutes-fulhams-response-to-adversity/

WhiteJC

Mitrovic revels in derby day joy

Aleskandar Mitrovic was delighted after his brace helped Fulham put four past QPR in the west London derby this afternoon.

The Serbian striker took his Championship tally to twelve goals in as many games this season with two sublimely-taken goals as Marco Silva's side weathered a tricky period in the second half to return to winning ways at Craven Cottage.

Mitrovic was in no doubt as to the importance of three points, telling FFCTV after the final whistle:

"It's a good feeling. This was a big win, a London derby, a great result for us and a great response. We could have scored a couple more but I think we deserved the three points, we were the better team and we will focus on the next one on Wednesday.

The Fulham number nine heaped praise on Marco Silva for tweaking his game and making him the focal point of Fulham's attack after a frustrating season last year.

"I feel good. I feel very good on the pitch. For a striker, it is the most important thing to have confidence. At the moment, I have loads of confidence and trying to do my job as best as I can. Hopefully I can continue this form. I have improved my game a lot under Marco. He made me realise I can be used in different ways. He trusts me, I feel great in his team and the way we play."

Mitrovic was particularly pleased with the way the Whites responded to Lyndon Dykes' second half equaliser – quickly finding another goal and going on to put the game to bed, which hasn't always been the case in the past month,.

"Our response was good. We managed the game really well. After the second goal, we scored the third and fourth really fast. We didn't sit deep, wait for them to attack and wait for the counter attack we went forward to score more goals. At the end, I think we deserved this win. They are a good team, they have quality players. It was not an easy game – we managed to score four goals to win this game."

He knows that the Championship is a gruelling league and won't be getting carried away with this success.

"There is not much time to celebrate when you win, there is not much time to cry when you lose. There is another game in a few days. It is a big game against a good side, Cardiff. There are no easy games in the Championship. We have to be ready to fight and we have to keep going together. It is still early in the season – there are plenty of points to play for, we must keep going forward, keep positive and onto the next one."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/mitrovic-revels-in-derby-day-joy/


WhiteJC

Kebano beams after 'brilliant' Fulham display

Fulham winger Neeskens Kebano paid tribute to 'brilliant work' from his team mates after the Whites demolished QPR 4-1 at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

Kebano had a hand in two of the goals – running in behind the Rangers defence to tee up Denis Odoi for the cross that led to the opener – and supplying a superb ball of his own for Aleksandar Mitrovic's second that put Fulham back in front. The Congolese international couldn't hide his delight when he spoke to FFCTV after the final whistle:

"It was a good day at the office. Brilliant work from all of my team mates and we got a very good result so we're happy. We've been discussing a lot with Mitro to adjust our crosses. We know exactly where he would prefer that ball so I just tried to target that space, he was there like he said and he scored. Nine times out of ten he scores.

When we see what happened in the previous game against Coventry, today it was forbidden for us to repeat the same mistake. We kept our heads up and tried to force things and give us more fresh air."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/kebano-beams-after-brilliant-fulham-display/

WhiteJC

Fulham U18s edge out Leeds in five-goal thriller

Fulham under 18s kept their hopes of progressing through the group stages of the Premier League Cup by coming from behind to beat Leeds United in a five goal thriller at Motspur Park this afternoon.

The hosts recovered well from a disastrous start when Luca Thomas thumped a fine half volley past Alfie McNally to give Leeds the lead in the second minute after excellent approach play from Morten Spencer. McNally was nearly wrongfooted by a left wing cross from Joe Snowdon as the visitors threatened to double their advantage inside the opening ten minutes.

But Fulham found an equaliser with their first serious attack. Matt Dibley Dias found Jaylan Wildbore with a lovely through pass and the forward darted in from the right flank and curled a magnificent finish into the top corner. Wildbore almost turned matters completely around all by himself a couple of minutes later but the former Burton forward was denied by a smart reaction save from Harry Christy.

Imani Lanquedoc drilled an effort over the bar on the half hour mark before Max Dean replied in kind for Leeds – fizzing his drive a little too high. The dangerous Michael Olakigbe surged clear of the Leeds defence and then threaded a fine ball through to Lanquedoc, whose shot was straight at Christy. Dean nearly put the away side ahead just before the interval but McNally produced a sprawling save.

Fulham's reprieve was only temporary as Dean seized on a poor pass in the home midfield and raced clear of the Whites defence before calmly lofting a clever finish over the onrushing McNally two minutes into added time. The visitors largely looked in control at the start of the second half with only Delano McCoy-Splatt testing Christy in the Leeds goal.

The visitors came close to making it three during a prolonged spell of pressure just after the hour mark. Dean probably should have done better than drag a shot wide after a brilliant run from Harvey Sutcliffe down the right and the Leeds centre forward was made to rue that miss when fifteen year-old Lemar Gordon rifled into the top corner just two minutes after stepping off the bench following adventurous running from Luc De Fougerolles, who had burst along the left wing.

Wildore saw a strike ruled out for offside, but Fulham put that disappointment behind them quickly and went in front with thirteen minutes to play. Ali Melloul's youngsters put together an incisive counter attack with Ollie Sanderson slotting home after Leeds had been cut open through the centre of the pitch. The young Whites face Tottenham in their final group fixture on Saturday 27 November at Motspur Park.

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-3-3): McNally; Tanton, Araujo, de Fougerolles, C. Robinson; Lanquedoc, Dibley-Dias (Works 57), McCoy-Splatt; Wildbore (Okkas 80), Olakigbe (Gordon 76), Sanderson. Subs (not used): Paternoster, Caton.

BOOKED: McCoy-Splatt.

GOALS: Wildbore (21), Gordon (74), Sanderson (77).

LEEDS UNITED U18s (4-3-3): Christy; Sutcliffe (Godden 82), Ferguson, Debayo, Chilokoa-Mullen; Allen, Spencer, Gray; Thomas (Coleman 21), Snowdon (Andreucci 66), Dean. Subs (not used): Grainger, Bradbury.

BOOKED: Gray, Allen.

GOALS: Thomas (2), Dean (45+2).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/fulham-u18s-edge-out-leeds-in-five-goal-thriller/