News:

Use a VPN to stream games Safely and Securely 🔒
A Virtual Private Network can also allow you to
watch games Not being broadcast in the UK For
more Information and how to Sign Up go to
https://go.nordvpn.net/SH4FE

Main Menu


Monday Fulham Stuff - 25/10/21...

Started by WhiteJC, October 24, 2021, 07:10:57 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

WhiteJC

Results


Sunday
Barnsley
2-3
Sheff Utd
Forest
0-4
Fulham

WhiteJC

Nottingham Forest 0-4 Fulham


Aleksandar Mitrovic has 17 goals this season - having also scored two for Serbia

Nottingham Forest suffered their first setback since Steve Cooper became manager as Fulham reclaimed second place in the Championship with a decisive victory at the City Ground.

An own goal by Djed Spence gave the Londoners a half-time lead, with neither side at their best going forward.

Lewis Grabban wasted a chance to equalise after the break and Fulham ran away with the game by scoring three more in nine minutes.

Aleksandar Mitrovic grabbed his 14th and 15th league goals of the season, the second from the penalty spot after a foul on Denis Odoi, either side of a strike by Neeskens Kebano.

The win lifted Fulham above West Bromwich Albion, who beat Bristol City on Saturday, but the Cottagers are still five points behind leaders Bournemouth, with Forest down in 15th.

After managing only one point from the first seven games of the season under Chris Hughton, Forest had made big strides with four wins and a draw since former Swansea boss Cooper was appointed as his successor.

But they were unlucky early on when Mitrovic flicked on Jean-Michael Seri's corner and on-loan Middlesbrough wing-back Spence stabbed it into the net as he tried to clear.

Brennan Johnson flashed a shot wide in reply, but Forest's best opportunity fell to Grabban, who swept the ball high over the bar from Philip Zinckernagel's cross.

A defensive mix-up left Mitrovic with a chance he could not miss to double the lead and Kebano beat Forest keeper Brice Samba at the near post from Harry Wilson's well-weighted pass.

The Forest keeper guessed correctly but could not quite manage to keep out Mitrovic's spot-kick after Odoi was fouled by Ryan Yates and the closest the home side came to a consolation was Joe Lolley's low free-kick, which Marek Rodak just managed to claw away.

Forest are next in action away to QPR on Friday, with Fulham - who have now won on three successive league visits to the City Ground for the first time since the 1950s - at home to promotion rivals West Brom the following day.

Forest boss Steve Cooper told BBC Radio Nottingham:

"I'm really disappointed with the referee on the first goal, we warned him about the blocks at Fulham's set plays.

"Credit to them, they do it really well, but it's a clear foul by Odoi and he was looking right at it. He wasn't supposed to referee the game and he didn't look ready for it, so we were annoyed by that.

"I'm not saying we deserved to win, but it was never a four-nil game, so we're not going to let this derail us, we've worked too hard over the last couple of weeks.

"There are things we need to improve on, of course, things we need to do better, definitely, but there are still some good signs there for us."

Fulham manager Marco Silva:

"If you create, he's (Mitrovic) a very dangerous player, it's up to us to create the conditions for him to score.

"I don't always like to talk about one or two players but he has already scored 15 goals so he is clearly an important player. For him to be in the right spots, everyone is working really hard for him.

"Our aim was to finish the week with nine points and that's what we did.

"It was a tough game like we expected, even if you score early in the game like we did, we came here to play against a team in a great moment the last six games."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58943605

WhiteJC

Post-Forest Press Conference

Speaking in his post-match press conference Marco Silva was pleased with the way his side dispatched in form Nottingham Forest 4-0 to complete a perfect week since the squad returned from the international break.

"It was a tough game, like we expected. We came here to play against a team in a good moment. In the last six, they had won five. Since Steve's [Cooper] arrival, they hadn't had a bad result. Our aim was clear, to claim nine points in a week and that's what we did.

"This is our way, it's what we work on. Keeping a clean sheet is important, because to play good offensive football, you have to be compact as a team and be balanced. We clearly improved in the second-half, and scoring four goals again, it's not the first time, it's more than once."

Tom Cairney played the full 90 minutes, in his first start following a length injury lay off and our Head Coach was pleased to see his captain complete the game.

"You saw how Tom [Cairney] finished the game. He was really tired. We tried to give 90 minutes because the result was under control. We have to work more with Tom, it's all part of the process. If we have all our player available, we will be stronger as a team. Some moments we will be more compact, and sometimes we'll be more creative.

"As a complete performance, we still have something more. The score gives a boost to the players' confidence, and we're really happy with the result."

Aleksander Mitrovic scored a brace, to take his season total to 15 goals and Marco was keen to emphasise both the importance of the Serbian and his squad as a whole.

"Our goal is clear, we want to be successful at the end of the season. Every goal Mitrović will come as a consequence of our game. He started well, and if you create for him, he's a dangerous player.

"It's up to us to create the conditions for him. Of course, he's an important player for us, but everyone is working hard."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/october/24/post-forest-press-conference/


WhiteJC

Roma failed to secure summer deal for Fulham's Andre Zambo Anguissa – now starring with Napoli

Fulham man Andre Zambo Anguissa ended up joining Napoli, but Roma are also said to have made efforts to recruit him in the summer window.

A report from Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport has claimed Roma have been left with "a thousand regrets" over their failure to sign the Fulham man ahead of Napoli.

Anguissa has become a star performer for Luciano Spalletti's side since arriving on loan. He has solidified a place in Napoli's midfield, featuring nine times across all competitions, helping them to a perfect eight wins from eight in Serie A so far.

Fulham offloaded the 25-year-old on a temporary basis in the summer window, with the option of a permanent deal also included in the deal with Napoli.

Given just how impressive the Cottagers' loanee has been, it would come as no surprise to see that option triggered next summer.

Anguissa's performances
The Cameroonian midfielder has put in a string of impressive displays in central midfield since joining Napoli. He boasts an impressive average rating of 7.27 in his six Serie A outings (WhoScored).

Fulham loanee Anguissa's standout display came in a 4-0 win over Udinese.

Option to buy
As mentioned earlier, Napoli hold the option to make the loan move permanent at the end of the season. It will set Napoli back €15m if they want to recruit the Fulham ace, a fee that seems a bargain given his recent displays.

It was claimed that the Serie A giants could look to trigger the clause as early as January, but those claims were dismissed by director Cristiano Giuntoli.



https://the72.co.uk/253921/roma-failed-to-secure-summer-deal-for-fulhams-andre-zambo-anguissa-now-starring-with-napoli/

WhiteJC

Forest beaten at home by Fulham

    Djed Spence own goal gives Fulham an early lead
    Three goals in ten second half minutes sends Forest to home defeat

Head coach Steve Cooper made one change from The Reds' fourth successive win at Ashton Gate on Tuesday night, with Jack Colback returning to replace James Garner who dropped to the bench. Braian Ojeda made the 18 for the first time, replacing Joao Carvalho on the bench.

Fulham had beaten Cardiff to move second in midweek and they created the first opening of the game when Aleksandar Mitrovic slipped Tobias Figueiredo on the edge of the box but Joe Worrall threw himself to deflect the ball for a corner.

But from the flag kick, Fulham took the lead. Mitrovic made a run to the near post to flick the ball on and Djed Spence could only divert into his own net inside the six yard box.

Brennan Johnson then blocked Marek Rodák's clearance but the ball bounced out of play before he could recover the loose ball as The Reds looked to respond immediately.

After a quarter hour, The Reds forced a corner when Brennan Johnson counter attacked and very nearly slipped Lewis Grabban in the inside left but Tosin Adarabioyo recovered to concede a corner.

Shortly afterwards, Jack Colback became the first name in referee Matthew Donohue's notebook for fouling Harry Wilson.

After 20 minutes, Djed Spence threatened down the right but his cross evaded Grabban and Max Lowe.

Spence was then adjudged to have fouled Neeskens Kebano just outside the box to the protests of the Forest players but Mitrovic hit the wall with the free kick.

Marco Silva's men had enjoyed the better of the opening quarter but on the half hour The Reds fashioned their best opening of the match. A fine crossfield ball from Grabban near halfway found Spence on the right and his low cross found Johnson unmarked seven yards out but the Welshman missed his kick.

Another positive Reds move then resulted in Zinckernagel's shot being blocked for a corner.

Johnson then beat Tim Ream on the right byline and referee Donohue booked the Fulham captain for hacking down the Reds' youngster. From Zinckernagel's free kick, Worrall was unable to connect at the near post.

Just before the break, The Reds turned the ball over deep in Fulham territory but Ryan Yates and Grabban got in each other's way on the edge of the box and Fulham countered through Wilson whose through ball found Kebano in the box but Worrall slid into to make a vital tackle.

Denis Odoi was then booked for a foul on Scott McKenna after a couple of strong challenges in midfield.

The Reds had looked more threatening going to the break but The Cottagers held the half-time advantage.

Half-time: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Fulham

Just two minutes into the second half, The Reds should have levelled. Djed Spence ran deep into Fulham territory before releasing Philip Zinckernagel who cut the ball back to Lewis Grabban unmarked near the penalty spot but he blazed high and wide.

Referee Donohue again penalised Jack Colback for a foul early in the second half and Steve Cooper immediately replaced the midfielder with James Garner.

Another 27,000+ crowd were in The City Ground and starting to get behind The Reds as Joe Worrall produced a superb cross field pass to Max Lowe who forced a corner but Fulham cleared.

Seconds later, another dangerous cross from Lowe was cleared as The Reds started to increase the pressure.

Philip Zinckernagel then went into referee's Donohue's notebook for a foul in midfield that bought the wrath of the crowd.

From the resulting attack, Fulham doubled their lead with a fortuitous goal. Scott McKenna intercepted the ball in the box but collided with Tobias Figueiredo whose clearance richocheted off Aleksandar Mitrović and into the corner of the net with Samba stranded.

Head coach Cooper then changed to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Alex Mighten replacing Figueiredo but, seconds later, Fulham made it 3-0 with a fine move resulting in Harry Wilson releasing Neeskens Kebano to score at the near post.

Joe Lolley then replaced Zinckernagel and substitute Garner was then also booked by referee Donohue.

From the resulting free kick, Fulham were awarded a penalty when Yates held back Odoi, with The Reds midfielder booked. Samba guessed the right way but Mitrović's spot kick found the corner, with Samba booked in the aftermath taking the Forest booking count to five.

It was a tough scoreline on The Reds who had conceded three goals within a ten minute period and Djed Spence was soon attacking down the right again with Antonee Robinson booked for fouling him. Joe Lolley smashed the free kick low and Marek Rodák made a good save with Fulham scrambling away the loose ball.

With ten minutes left, referee Donohue booked Harry Wilson for simulation to the delight of the crowd and making it nine bookings in the match.

The Reds continued to press late on searching for a consolation but Fulham went back south with a four goal victory.

Full-time: Nottingham Forest 0-4 Fulham

MATCH STATISTICS
Nottingham Forest (3-4-1-2): Brice Samba; Scott McKenna, Tobias Figueiredo (Alex Mighten 60'), Joe Worrall; Max Lowe, Jack Colback (James Garner 50'), Ryan Yates, Djed Spence; Philip Zinckernagel (Joe Lolley 62'); Lewis Grabban (c), Brennan Johnson

Substitutes not used: Ethan Horvath (gk), Gaetan Bong, Braian Ojeda, Lyle Taylor

Bookings: Colback (16'), Zinckernagel (58'), Garner (65'), Yates (66') Samba (67')

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Marek Rodák; Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream (c), Tosin Adarabioyo, Denis Odoi (Kenny Tete 77); Tom Cairney, Jean Michaël Seri; Neeskens Kebano (Josh Onomah 71'), Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Harry Wilson; Aleksandar Mitrović (Rodrigo Muniz 82')

Substitutes not used: Paulo Gazzaniga (gk), Kenny Tete, Michael Hector, Harrison Reed, Rodrigo Muniz, Jay Stansfield

Goals: Spence (og 7'), Mitrović (58', pen 67'), Kebano (61')

Bookings: Ream (38'), Odoi (45'), Robinson (69'), Wilson (77')

Referee: Matthew Donohue

Attendance: 27,470 including 1,546 Fulham supporters

Possession: 48%-52%

Shots: 5-11

Shots on target: 1-3

Corners: 4-1



https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/2021/october/24/reds-defeated-by-fulham/

WhiteJC

Mitrovic scores two more as Fulham thrash Forest

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as Fulham stormed to victory at the City Ground and moved back up to second in the Championship table.

Mitrovic took his goal tally to 15 in 14 matches and Neeskens Kebano also found the net, with the Whites making it 10 goals from three games.

They went in front courtesy of an early own goal by Djed Spence, who touched the ball in after Mitrovic had flicked on Jean Michael Seri's low corner.

Two Fulham goals in the space of three minutes early in the second half effectively sealed the win.

Mitrovic bundled the ball in after Forest made a mess of trying to clear a free-kick, before Kebano fired home at the near post after a one-two with Harry Wilson.

Mitrovic made it 4-0 with a penalty after Denis Odoi had been brought down by Ryan Yates.

On a fantastic day for Fulham, captain Tom Cairney completed the full 90 minutes following his recent comeback from a long-term knee injury.

And the fit-again Kenny Tete returned to action as a second-half substitute – his first appearance since August.


Fulham: Rodak, Odoi (Tete 77), Tosin, Ream, Robinson, Seri, Cairney, Kebano (Onomah 71), Wilson, Decordova-Reid, Mitrovic (Muniz 83).
Subs not used: Gazziniga, Hector, Reed, Stansfield.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/mitrovic-scores-two-more-as-fulham-thrash-forest


WhiteJC

Nottingham Forest 0-4 Fulham: Three goals in nine minutes sees Marco Silva's men stroll to victory at the City Ground and return to second place

    Fulham thrashed Nottingham Forest 4-0 at the City Ground on Sunday
    Djed Spence's own goal seven minutes into the game gave Fulham the lead
    Three second-half goals in nine minutes saw Marco Silva's men stroll to victory
    Fulham return to second spot, five points behind league leaders Bournemouth 

Fulham returned to the automatic promotion spots on Sunday afternoon after a 4-0 win away at the division's in-form team Nottingham Forest.

An Aleksandar Mitrovic brace added to an own goal and a Neeskens Kebano strike as Marco Silva's Fulham passed a significant test at a team who had won four and drawn another in new boss Steve Cooper's first five games.

The London side now themselves won four of their last five - with a strange 4-1 thrashing at Coventry sandwiched in the middle - and one would be a fool to bet against them making an instant return to the Premier League.


Fulham players celebrate after Djed Spence's own goal gave them the lead seven minutes in

These three points takes them back second, behind only Bournemouth, still unbeaten under former Cottager boss Scott Parker.

'This was a complete performance, a clean sheet and four goals away against a team in a fantastic moment with a great atmosphere,' said Fulham boss Silva on his side who took their goal tally to 33 for the season, nine better than anyone else.

But it was Forest who were the better team here for the best part of an hour, missing a handful of chances either side of the break.

Much of the pre-match chatter was about how Cooper is starting to awaken 'sleeping giants' Forest and, while it is early days, a deafening rendition of Mull of Kintyre pre-match painted a picture of a fanbase able to believe again.


Aleksandar Mitrovic 14th goal of the season doubled Fulham's lead after 58 minutes

But just seven minutes were on the clock when they were silenced and hit with a strong dose of reality. Rome wasn't built in a day and, for all the positives around Cooper's start, defensive mistakes can't be eradicated overnight. They littered this performance.

Mitrovic snuck in at the near post at a corner - unmarked - and directed the ball goalwards with his left foot. In the melee of bodies in the six-yard box, the ball deflected into the net - later to be awarded as a Djed Spence own goal.

Cooper fumed at a potential foul on Joe Worrall as the corner came in. 'The referee didn't look ready, it was a late change in who was meant to be in charge and he fell short today,' he said. 'I was really annoyed.'


Fulham's Neeskens Kebano (centre) celebrates scoring their side's third goal of the game

Regardless, it was a sloppy goal to concede. Forest had come from behind to win twice in Cooper's first five matches, but repeating that against promotion-chasing Fulham is a bigger task than doing so against Barnsley and Bristol City.

Cooper's side responded well, though, and attacked with pace and purpose. Brennan Johnson, the 20-year-old academy graduate, was the shining light - he constantly drove at the Fulham defence but, like most of his team-mates, end-product was amiss.

Johnson swung and missed at a chance of his own late in the first half and, with the first attack of the second period, Lewis Grabban was unmarked about 12 yards out but his shanked shot went into the top tier of the Trent End.


Mitrovic scored his second of the game from the spot after Odoi was brought down in the box

Forest continued to be the side in the ascendency but were dealt a sucker-punch as Fulham scored three goals in eight minutes to put the game to bed.

Defenders Scott McKenna and Tobias Figueiredo accidentally collided and fell to the ground, the ball falling straight to Mitrovic who tucked away from six yards out. Bad luck.

Then Harry Wilson threaded in Neeskens Kebano, who unleashed a hard-and-low shot into the near post for 3-0. Game over.


Marco Silva (right) will be delighted with his side's performance at the City Ground

Mitrovic made it four from the spot minutes later, after Denis Odoi was bundled over as he lined up a shot. Capitulation.

'The score line is tough to take,' added Cooper after his first loss. 'We gifted them goals and we had a wobble after they got a second.

'But we won't let this derail us. The players shouldn't let this impact their confidence.'




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10125709/Nottingham-Forest-0-4-Fulham-Aleksandar-Mitrovics-double-sees-Marco-Silvas-second.html

WhiteJC

Fulham hit four at Forest

Fulham moved back into the Championship's automatic promotion places by putting four past Nottingham Forest at the City Ground and bringing Steve Cooper's unbeaten start to his new job to a shuddering halt. Marco Silva's side scored three times in the space of nine second half minutes as Forest quickly lost control at what had been a largely even contest. Aleksandar Mitrovic bagged a brace after pressurising former Fulham academy graduate Djed Spence into an early own goal – registering his fifteenth goal in fourteen games.

Silva signalled his intentions to dominate proceedings by handing Tom Cairney a first start in eleven months after his goalscoring return against Cardiff in midweek alongside Jean Michael Seri in central midfield. Any concerns that Fulham's engine room might prove a little lightweight against Cooper's industrious outfit had long since been dispelled by the time the pair were playing one-touch keep ball between themselves with a quarter of an hour still remaining. Fulham were far from their fluent best, but clinically killed off the hosts – who had looked dangerous when their wing-backs got well forward.

The visitors enjoyed a dream start when Denis Odoi's decoy run at Seri's corner attracted Forest's attention and allowed Mitrovic to move unimpeded towards the near post. The Serbian forward flicked a finish goalbound, although the final touch came off the unfortunate Spence. Fulham enjoyed more of the possession and could have had a second when Harry Wilson waltzed to the byline, but Mitrovic couldn't find a decisive connection at the near post.

Forest's own clear opening of the first period came when Brennan Johnson won a duel with Antonee Robinson and darted dangerously into the area but dragged his shot wide of the near post, but Cooper would have been encouraged by the way his charges put together a decent spell of possession in the last ten minutes of the first half. They had a great chance to equalise at the start of the second period when Spence sprinted into acres of room down the right flank and found Philip Zinckernagel, but Grabban somehow skied his finish high over the bar.

Cooper hauled off Jack Colback, who had already been booked, after he escaped further sanction for pulling down Wilson and the hosts were soon the architects of their own downfall. There was a horrible mix up after Scott McKenna appeared to have cleared the danger when he collided with Tobias Figueiredo and Mitrovic rifled a second beyond Brice Samba. Forest looked all over the place at the back and the lively Neeskens Kebano soon made it three. The Congolese winger worked a clever one-two with Wilson after winning possession back and slotted an assured strike behind the goalkeeper and his near post.

Fulham were now rampant and Mitrovic added his second of the afternoon from the penalty spot after Odoi had been held back by Ryan Yates as he lined up a shot. Samba went the right way in trying to save Mitrovic's penalty, but the Serbian's spot kick had too much power. Kenny Tete ended his two month injury exile as a late substitute and, after Marek Rodak had saved smartly from Joe Lolley, Fulham spurned a three-on-one break as they finished in fifth gear. This might not have been the most complete of performances but a display of real ruthlessness – together with another clean sheet – sent out a serious message to the rest of the promotion contenders.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (3-4-1-2): Samba; Worrall, Figueiredo (Mighten 60), McKenna; Spence, Lowe, Yates, Colback (Garner 50); Zinckernagel (Lolley 62); Johnson, Grabban. Subs (not used): Horvath, Bong, Ojeda, Taylor.

BOOKED: Colback, Zinckernagel, Garner, Yates, Samba.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Odoi, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Seri, Cairney; Kebano, Decordova-Reid, Wilson; Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Gazzaniga, Tete, Hector, Reed, Onomah, Muniz, Stansfield.

BOOKED: Ream, Odoi, Robinson, Wilson.

GOALS: Spence (o.g. 7), Mitrovic (58, pen 67), Kebano (61).

REFEREE: Matt Donohue (Lancashire).

ATTENDANCE: 27,470.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/fulham-hit-four-at-forest/

WhiteJC

Mitrovic scores his 14th and 15th goals of the season

ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC scored his 14th and 15th goals of the season as Fulham returned to the automatic promotion places in the Championship with a 4-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest today.

The Serbia striker forced Djed Spence to turn into his own goal to get Fulham up and running early on before scoring twice himself in the second half to make it 15 goals in 13 league appearances this season.

Mitrovic's nine-minute brace came either side of Neeskens Kebano's first goal of the season.

It signalled a first defeat under new manager Steve Cooper for Forest, who had won four consecutive games under the former Swansea boss.

The afternoon signalled a return to the starting XI for the first time in over 10 months for Fulham captain Tom Cairney, whose last start came on December 19 2020 against Newcastle.

Former Blackburn man Cairney replaced Harrison Reed in the Fulham midfield, while Jack Colback came into the Forest starting 11 in place of on-loan Manchester United midfielder James Garner.

Former Fulham academy man Spence set the Cottagers on their way when he turned into his own net inside the first 10 minutes of a feisty affair which saw nine yellow cards, five of which were handed to the home side.

Jean Michael Seri's low corner was helped on by Mitrovic which found the outstretched leg of the on-loan Middlesbrough defender.

And in the second half, Fulham netted a further three times in nine minutes.

Firstly, a mix-up in the box following a quick free-kick allowed Mitrovic to nip in ahead of Tobias Figueiredo and tap home to double the lead.

Three minutes later, Harry Wilson slipped in Kebano down the right and the DR Congo winger slammed in his first Fulham goal since January at the near post to put Marco Silva's side out of sight.

But Fulham were not finished yet, and the Championship's top scorer Mitrovic helped himself to a second from the penalty spot after 66 minutes.

Ryan Yates bundled Denis Odoi over inside the box after Alex Mighten had cleared a header off the line, and the 27-year-old Serbian tucked his spot-kick past Brice Samba to make it 4-0.

Forest piled the pressure on in the last 10 minutes to try and grab themselves a consolation, but Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream stood firm at the back to preserve Marek Rodak's clean sheet.



https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/s/mitrovic-scores-his-14th-and-15th-goals-of-the-season


WhiteJC

Silva pleased with third straight win

Marco Silva was delighted after Fulham won their third game in a week by thrashing Nottingham Forest 4-0 at the City Ground this afternoon.

The Fulham boss admitted his side were far from their flawless best but was pleased that the Whites proved clinical in front of goal to move back into the Championship's automatic promotion places again. Speaking to the press after the final whistle, Silva emphasised how impressive it was to see his side end Steve Cooper's unbeaten start in charge of Forest.

"It was a tough game, like we expected. We came here to play against a team in a good moment. In the last six, they had won five. Since Steve's arrival, they hadn't had a bad result. Our aim was clear, to claim nine points in a week and that's what we did. This is our way, it's what we work on. Keeping a clean sheet is important, because to play good offensive football, you have to be compact as a team and be balanced. We clearly improved in the second-half, and scoring four goals again, it's not the first time, it's more than once.

Silva was particularly pleased that captain Tom Cairney came through his first ninety minutes in nearly a year unscathed.

"You saw how Tom finished the game. He was really tired. We tried to give 90 minutes because the result was under control. We have to work more with Tom, it's all part of the process. If we have all our player available, we will be stronger as a team. Some moments we will be more compact, and sometimes we'll be more creative. As a complete performance, we still have something more. The score gives a boost to the players' confidence, and we're really happy with the result.

The Fulham head coach also heaped praise on striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who added another brace in a display of first class finishing.

"Our goal is clear, we want to be successful at the end of the season. Every goal Mitrovic will come as a consequence of our game. He started well, and if you create for him, he's a dangerous player. It's up to us to create the conditions for him. Of course, he's an important player for us, but everyone is working hard."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/silva-pleased-with-third-straight-win/

WhiteJC

Mitrovic lauded after Forest thrashing

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his 14th and 15th goals of the season as Fulham returned to the automatic promotion places in the Championship with a 4-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest.

Manager Marco Silva hailed the Serbia striker whose goals came either side of Neeskens Kebano's first Fulham goal since January.

Former Fulham schoolboy Djed Spence had set Fulham on their way inside the first 10 minutes when he turned Mitrovic's flick into his own net after Jean Michael Seri's corner.

"He started the game well," said Silva. "He had a good moment in the beginning where he could score and if you create, he's a very dangerous player, it's up to us to create the conditions for him to score.

"I don't always like to talk about one or two players but he has already scored 15 goals so he is clearly an important player.

"For him to be in the right spots, everyone is working really hard for him."

It was a third win on the bounce for Fulham after home victories against QPR and Cardiff in the last week and took the Cottagers back into the automatic promotion places.

The result signalled a first defeat for Forest boss Steve Cooper, who had won his opening four matches in charge of the Reds before coming up against a Fulham side in red-hot form.

"I'm not saying we deserved to win the game but the scoreline was tough to take," said the former Swansea boss. "I definitely don't think we deserved to lose 4-0, but some of it was self-inflicted.

Earlier two goals from Lys Mousset set Sheffield United on their way to a 3-2 derby win at Oakwell, despite a late fightback from Barnsley.

Frenchman Mousset fired the Blades ahead in the 51st minute and added a second two minutes later.

When Ben Osborn made it 3-0 in the 72nd minute there looked to be no way back for the home side.

But Devante Cole pulled a goal back in the 78th minute and fellow substitute Leya Iseka grabbed a second four minutes later to leave the Blades sweating.

"In the last 10 minutes or so, what happened is not acceptable," United boss Slavisa Jokanovic said. "We started to panic and we started thinking we cannot win the game.

"In this kind of moment, you need to be calm and try to finish the game in a better shape.



https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/mitrovic-lauded-after-forest-thrashing-c-4322935

WhiteJC

Kebano delighted with 'dream' day

Neeskens Kebano admitted he couldn't have dreamt of a better afternoon after Fulham put Nottingham Forest to the sword at the City Ground today.

The Congolese winger scored Fulham's third of four as the Whites returned to the automatic promotion places with a resounding win over Steve Cooper's in-form side. Kebano told FFCTV after the final whistle that the professional performance made for the perfect away day.

That was what we were aiming for. We're very happy. Four goals and a clean sheet – you couldn't dream a better dream! It's good for us. We just need to keep on building towards what we want to do.

Kebano was modest about his own impact since returning to Marco Silva's starting eleven – even if he felt pleased to score his first Fulham goal since securing a place in the play-off final back in 2020.

"It is about time! I got my goal but the most important thing is the victory and what we are building so we have to carry on that path. It's good to be in the starting line up. I try to do my best every minute I've been given. Today, I'm happy.

The 29 year-old revealed that work on how to take on promotion rivals West Brom will resume at Motspur Park in the coming week, with an immediate focus on recuperation after three big wins in the space of eight days.

We'll do all the analysis in the upcoming days. We'll have fresh minds to get the right things to do put them in trouble. Now, it is time to rest. We just came out of a difficult week with a game every three days. We need to refresh our minds and we will go again.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/10/kebano-delighted-with-dream-day/