Saturday Fulham Stuff - 04/12/21...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Friday
Fulham	1-1	Bournemouth

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-1 Bournemouth

Dominic Solanke's 16th Championship goal of the season had put Bournemouth ahead early in the second half

Tosin Adarabioyo's first goal for Fulham ensured his side shared the points with Bournemouth in a meeting of the Championship's top two.

The defender glanced home substitute Tom Cairney's cross with six minutes remaining to keep his team one point clear in first place.

Dominic Solanke had scored his 17th goal of the season six seconds into the second half to put Bournemouth ahead.

But they could not hang on to give manager Scott Parker a winning return to his old club.

It is now three successive draws for Marco Silva's Fulham, whereas Bournemouth have won only one of their past six games following a blistering start to the season.

However, before the rest of the weekend's games, there is an eight-point gap between the Cherries and third-placed QPR.

Top two prove their quality
With the Championship season almost at its halfway point, there was genuine excitement ahead of the meeting of the division's two outstanding teams so far and they did not disappoint with an enthralling encounter.

No side had scored more than Fulham's 49 goals, while they and Bournemouth shared the joint best defensive record - along with West Brom - with just 16 conceded.

There was the added spice, too, of Parker returning to the club he left in the summer after more than two years in charge with both promotion and relegation on his CV from his time at Craven Cottage.

The tempo was high from the off with Adam Smith testing Marek Rodak for the visitors and Neeskens Kebano twice forcing saves out of Mark Travers at the other end all inside the first 10 minutes.

In a game littered with intrigue and sub-plots, the Championship's top two strikers were also on the field in Aleksandar Mitrovic and Solanke.

Solanke is having his best ever season for goals and he twice nearly gave Bournemouth the lead, but the 24-year-old was just off target on both occasions.

But as a pulsating half ended, Fulham looked certain to score, only for visiting captain Steve Cook to make two sensational goalbound blocks in the same attack, from Mitrovic and then Fabio Carvalho.

Solanke's goal straight from the restart caught the home side cold as he latched on to Philip Billing's lofted pass in what appeared to be a training ground move.

Fulham were stunned and took time to respond before they turned up the pressure on the visitors' goal, with Travers called upon to deny Kebano and Mitrovic.

But with six minutes left, Adarabioyo found the net for the first time since a goal on loan for Blackburn in June 2020 to claim a point their efforts deserved.

It was an excellent advert for the Championship and on this evidence, both sides will be favourites to claim the two automatic promotion slots in May.

Fulham 'deserved more' - reaction

Fulham manager Marco Silva told BBC Radio London:
"I think everyone who saw the game will think we deserved more from it. We were the best team on the pitch definitely.

"They tried to surprise us a bit with a change of formation, but we got the message across early and dealt with it and went into half-time the stronger side.

"We had a clear penalty not given and many, many times these decisions are going against us so hopefully one day, they will start to go our way.

"We switched off for two seconds at the start of the second half and we can't concede a goal like that at this level.

"But I was impressed that we never gave up, we kept fighting, kept creating chances and we deserved more than we got from the game.

"They fought and fought and did well, Steve Cook was tremendous for them, like a second goalkeeper with those blocks in the first half. But we know we should've put some of the chances we had away."

Bournemouth manager Scott Parker told BBC Radio Solent:
"We've come here with a group of players and some of them only off the back of just one day's training. Gary Cahill and Adam Smith have been out for a while, but we're a little bit desperate at the moment and we're struggling in that sense.

"We go ahead and then they put us under immense pressure from that point onwards and we weren't quite able to hold out.

"There's elements of the performance you want to improve so early in the process, but overall, I'm incredibly proud of my team and each and every one of them.

"I know the situation in-house at this moment in time and some of those boys out there put their hand up when I get that it wasn't ideal.

"Steve Cook epitomised everything that we needed to do tonight, Mark Travers and Cahill too.

"I said before the game that we would need to weather it and it would be painful at times, but they put it in.

"The goal was straight off the training ground. We worked on it on Thursday to try to work out where they were weak and sometimes they don't always come to fruition on the stage.

"But tonight, there's nothing more pleasing that it came off. We wanted to try to exploit the spaces between full-back and centre-half on transitions and the areas where Dominic Solanke was popping up, and it worked."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59426151

[WhiteJC]

Post-Bournemouth Press Conference

Marco Silva thought Friday night's clash was a good contest between two decent teams, but was frustrated with the lapse in concentration which cost Fulham the opener.

"Let's start to talk about the football, the football that both teams play on the pitch," he said. "A good game, two strong sides on the pitch.

"We didn't change anything like we are doing so far. They came here with a different strategy, they changed a little bit the formation, to be a little bit more compact in that middle zone, the way they tried to build with four midfielders instead of three and just two players in the attack line.

"First five minutes, we took some time to adapt and after that we start to control the game. We knew before the match we could not lose the balance because they will be strong in that moment.

"First half was a bit more balanced with the chances that we created and I think we deserved more, we deserved a clear 2-0 lead in the score at half time.

"The only thing I didn't like, we lost for two seconds our focus and discipline in our organisation and they punished us.

"We cannot concede a goal like we conceded from the kick-off, our backline slept completely in the moment.

"But I'm proud really of the way they reacted. I'm really proud of our fans and how they helped us and pushed us.

"What we did against a really strong side, the stats are there. We pushed them back, there are 10 players around their box and we created chances and chances to score. 

"At the end we scored, we clearly deserved more from the game. We were the best team on the pitch."

The introduction of substitutes Tom Cairney and Bobby De Cordova-Reid added some impetus to the Whites' play, and Silva was pleased with their contributions.

"Both players made a big impact in the game," he said. "It is something we planned, Tom and Bobby made a big impact on the game and we expected that.

"We controlled the game after that. Fabio and Mika, they were tired in that moment. 

"Tom with his quality, Bobby to put a bit more fresh legs in that right side with Harry Wilson, and we started to create a lot of problems for them."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2021/december/03/post-bournemouth-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham cling on to the top of the Championship as they stay one point ahead of the Cherries after the clash between first and second ends all square

    Fulham remain top after a 1-1 draw with second place Bournemouth on Friday
    Steve Cook put his body on the line to prevent the deadlock being broken
    Seconds after the restart Dominic Solanke scored the opener for the visitors
    Tosin Adarabioyo pulled Fulham level after a superb delivery from Tom Cairney

Fulham were banging ever more ferociously on the door and Bournemouth were simply unable to keep it shut.

This engrossing battle of the Championship's top two ended with honours even. As you were - Fulham top of the table by a single point, Bournemouth second but both odds-on to go up automatically.

Six minutes remained when, after half an hour of intense Fulham pressure, Tom Cairney swung a left-footed cross into the Bournemouth box and defender Tosin Adarabioyo headed home.


Fulham cling on to top of the Championship after clash with Bournemouth ends in a 1-1 draw


Just seconds after the restart Dominic Solanke (left) gave Bournemouth the opener

It was the least Fulham deserved and extended their unbeaten run to a 10th game. It denied Scott Parker the perfect return to Craven Cottage after his Bournemouth side scored just seven seconds after half-time.

You'd be hard pressed to find a better executed routine from a kick-off, straight out of Parker's playbook on the training ground. Philip Billing played a sumptuous left-footed ball that set Dominic Solanke clear.

He outmuscled Denis Odoi and the finish, high into the net, was superb. For a long while, it looked like sending Bournemouth back top. But Adarabioyo had other ideas.

It wasn't exactly the warmest of welcomes for Parker, who was jeered by some home fans as he made the long walk from the tunnel beneath the Cottage to the away dug-out.

He was the man who guided Fulham into the Premier League the last time but who departed following their relegation back again last season and, as it transpired, turned up at their promotion rival.

It was an open and watchable first-half with both teams remaining true to themselves by committing to quick breaks.

Fulham's Neeskens Kebano was the stand-out, causing all manner of problems down the left. Such was his potency, both Lewis Cook and Jack Stacey collected yellow cards for crudely fouling him.

Twice Kebano forced Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers into near-post parries inside the opening 15 minutes having stolen in behind and cut onto his right foot.

Bournemouth had good moments of their own. An early shot from Adam Smith tested Marek Rodak, while Solanke, having just had his head bandaged following an accidental collision with Tosin Adarabioyo's elbow, headed Jack Stacey's cross wide.

Solanke would then roll another shot across goal and wide after showing some fancy footwork on the edge of the Fulham box.

But it was definitely the hosts on top as the half drew towards its conclusion. Bournemouth passed themselves into trouble and Fabio Carvalho's low cross found Kebano point-blank to the goal but Stacey slide in to make a crucial block.

That was nothing on the heroic defending of captain Steve Cook, however, a minute before the break. Kebano played a pass round the corner to spring Aleksandar Mitrovic free and he cut inside to shoot.

The Serbian's effort was blocked by Cook, sprawling on the ground, with his face and the Bournemouth defender then took another stinger to the jaw to keep out Carvalho's follow-up.

But Bournemouth wasted no time in breaking the deadlock within seconds of the restart and Solanke's 17th goal of the season was one of his best finishes. 'We are top of the league,' sang the away fans.

Moments later, the irrepressible Kebano was again forcing Travers to turn the ball around the post after a skilful flick up and strike. Carvalho tested the keeper from a tight angle after Harry Wilson slipped him in.

A powerful Mitrovic header from a prodigious leap just cleared the crossbar as Fulham searched for a route back.

The home crowd grew restless at Travers' time-wasting from the resulting goal kick. Moving the ball to the other side of his six yard box earned a yellow.

Marco Silva threw on Tom Cairney and Bobby Decordova-Reid to ramp up the pressure. Mitrovic connected with a cross but couldn't generate enough power on another header.


Tosin Adarabioyo (right) pulled the hosts level thanks to a superb delivery from Tom Cairney

Kebano was yet again denied by Travers after Cairney slipped the winger through inside the box with a reverse through pass.

And the Bournemouth keeper pulled off another brilliant reaction save to keep out Mitrovic's header from Cairney's free-kick with Kebano sending the rebound into the side-netting.

Adarabioyo levelled and Fulham sniffed a winner. There were late corners and free-kick, plus four tense minutes of stoppage time. They arguably warranted a winner but a point was enough to keep them on top.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10273385/FULHAM-1-1-BOURNEMOUTH-Cottagers-cling-Championship-one-point-ahead-Bournemouth.html

[WhiteJC]

Bournemouth score best goal direct from kick-off you'll ever see in Fulham draw

Scott Parker's team took just seven seconds to take the lead against his former club Fulham at the start of the second half after a sensational team move

Scott Parker was clearly hard at work on the training ground before leading Bournemouth out against his former side Fulham, with the Cherries scoring a sensational team goal straight from kickoff.

Just seven seconds elapsed between the ball leaving the centre spot and Dominic Solanke lashing the ball into the top corner, and the home side didn't touch the ball once.

The move was well-rehearsed and perfectly executed, earning praise from the commentary team as well as from plenty of observers on Twitter.

While you might see more spectacular goals this weekend, you'll struggle to find one which relies on such intricate play, with every single part of the move pulled off in a way which left Marco Silva's team with no chance.

Bournemouth got the game back underway in the second half after a goalless first period with chances for both sides.

A last-ditch block from Steve Cook had kept Parker's team on level terms, as the two sides battling for top spot in the Championship both showed why they find themselves near the summit and well-placed to return to the Premier League.

The move begins like any regular kickoff might, with no immediately visible threat as Lewis Cook and Emiliano exchanged passes before the latter laid the ball off to Philip Billing. So far, so normal, with no sign of what was to come.

Billing didn't even need to take a touch to set himself, instead delivering a perfectly-timed left-footed pass into the path of Solanke.

The former Liverpool striker scored 15 goals last season but has already passed that mark under Parker, with his movement off the ball playing a part, and it was no huge surprise to see his teammates looking for him at every opportunity.

There was plenty of work for Solanke still to do, though, with defender Denis Odoi chasing back and goalkeeper Marek Rodak bearing down on him from another direction.

Another forward might have opted to bring the ball down before attempting to beat Rodak, but Solanke is a player full of confidence. There was no touch, and barely a thought, as he hit the ball on the bounce. It flew into the top corner, giving Rodak absolutely no chance, bringing the 24-year-old's tally for the season up to 17.

Praise rang in for the goal almost as quickly as it was scored, with pundit Jamie Carragher leading the way.

"That kick off that led to the Bournemouth goal is one of the best I've seen!" Carragher tweeted, while Sky Sports co-commentator Don Goodman heaped congratulations on Bournemouth manager Parker for the way he helped his team prepare the move.

It really was the kind of goal you can watch over and over, and not just because it only takes a matter of seconds to do so.

Unfortunately for Parker and his team, the goal wasn't enough to hand Bournemouth a valuable away victory.

Fulham missed a number of chances to equalise before Tosin Adarabioyo - a man signed for the London side by Parker during his time at Craven Cottage - headed in an equaliser in the final 10 minutes.

The result leaves Fulham top and Bournemouth second, with both sides still a number of points clear of the chasing pack.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/bournemouth-goal-direct-from-kickoff-25613701

[WhiteJC]

Tosin's first salvages a point in thrilling summit showdown with Cherries

Fulham (0) 1 Tosin 84

Bournemouth (0) 1 Solanke 46

A first goal in Fulham colours for Tosin Adarabioyo rescued a point for Fulham in a Friday night thriller at the Cottage.

In a summit battle which lived up to its billing in every way, the Whites had by far the better of the chances and ought to have edged it.

But they trailed soon after the restart to a stunning goal from Dominic Solanke, and in the end, they were just grateful to deny visitors Bournemouth the three points which would have sent them to the top of the Championship at Fulham's expense.

For 24-year-old Tosin it was a moment to savour but he was simply intent on restarting the game as quickly as possible as the Whites went in search of a winner.

It was a bitter-sweet evening for former Whites boss Scott Parker. Now in charge of the Cherries, having defected at the end of last season. He got a mixed reception from home fans to say the least. Plenty of boos were aimed in his direction.

It all added spice to a feisty affair which mixed quality with grit. Both teams tried to win it. Both teams were intent on leaving a marker, even if the result was never likely to settle much this early in the season.

What we did see, though, was reasons why these two sides are just a point apart at the top and head and shoulders above the rest at the moment in the race to regain Premier League status.

A blistering start set the tone. 

We saw Adam Smith fire low at Marek Rodek after being set up by former Brentford man Emiliano Marcondes, then Neeskens Kebano wrong-footed two defenders before bearing down on goal and almost beating Mark Travers with a near-post strike.

And the on-fire winger was soon unleashing another effort towards the same corner of the net – Travers again hurried into making a good save.

Kebano was outstanding. All that was missing was a goal. He gave right-back Jack Stacey a serious examination and eventually induced a rash tackle and a yellow card for his marker from ref Tim Robinson, who also earlier booked Lewis Cook for a high follow-through on Kebano.

But there was a tit-for-tat feel to proceedings and Solanke flashed a header just off target in one of the next attacks from the visitors before going close with another raking low shot after a neat drop of the shoulder to create space inside the box.

Meanwhile, the battle between Aleksandar Mitrovic and former Chelsea warhorse Gary Cahill offered up a riveting sub-plot. 

The Bournemouth defender is much loved in parts of west London, but not at the Cottage, where he is still, above all, a symbol of their bitter local rivals.

The half ended with an astonishing double block with face and body from Cherries skipper Steve Cook, who effectively took two for the team in blocking from Mitrovic and the follow up from Fabio Carvalho. 

Needless to say, Kebano was involved in that double-chance, freeing Mitrovic into space in the inside-left channel.

A spiky atmosphere throughout – both on and off the pitch - brought out the beast in Marco Silva. The Whites boss earned a yellow card for protesting a little too much about some decisions not going his side's way.

His mood did not improve when his players were caught cold straight from the restart. Philip Billing's perfectly-weighted chip to the box was met by a full-striding Solanke, who got ahead of Denis Odoi to fire past Rodak. Four passes and less than 15 seconds was all it took.

Briefly stunned Fulham may have been, but Kebano was soon testing Travers again and Harry Wlson was only just off target with fine shot from outside the box. 

Then Mitrovic nearly exacted revenge on the Cherries for Adam Smith's off-the ball foul on Wilson – heading the subsequent free-kick inches over. 

The Serb also got on the end of a nicely flighted ball from Tom Cairney – on as a sub for the final quarter. But a stooping header proved too easy for Travers.

It felt as if a goal just would not come, in spite of the excellence of the build-up play. Cairney's clever pass gave Kebano yet another pot at goal which the infernal Bournemouth keeper again kept out. A great leap to his right to thwart a Mitrovic header only added to that feeling.

But no. With just seven to go, Cairney floated a ball to the back stick and there was Tosin to glance home into the bottom corner. The calmness of the Fulham midfielder had again helped save the day.



Whites: (4-2-3-1) Rodak – Odoi, Tosin, Ream, Bryan – Seri (Cairney 70), Reed – Wilson, Carvalho (Decordova-Reid 70), Kebano – Mitrovic. Subs not used: Gazzaniga, Tete, Hector, Muniz, Onomah

Cherries: (3-5-2) Travers – A Smith (Mepham 88), Cahill, S Cook – Stacey, Marcondes (Pearson 56), L Cook, Billing, Anthony (Brady 88) – Christie, Solanke. Subs not used: Nyland, Lowe, Kilkenny, Rogers

Attendance: 19,020



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/tosin-s-first-salvages-a-point-in-thrilling-summit-showdown-with-cherries

[cookieg]

A bit harsh to say we clung on to top spot.

[WhiteJC]

So close to Parker's signature win - Bournemouth player ratings in draw with Fulham

Despite Cherries' defensive excellence, Fulham's pressure eventually told as they returned to the top of the league

While there will be disappointment for not holding on, Scott Parker and his players would have probably taken a draw prior to the game.

For 83 minutes, it appeared as if it would be the signature win of the new era, but eventually Fulham's pressure told.

Player ratings from a hard fought, more than solid point at Craven Cottage.

Mark Travers - 9

Made two sharp saves to deny Neeskens Kebano in the opening stages and set the tone in Bournemouth trying to play out from the back. Supremely commanded his box, claimed crosses and rushed out on several occasions to deny the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Kebano. His save from the header of Mitrovic was the inarguable centre piece. In the biggest game of his life, Travers had the best game of his life.

Could do very little about Fulham's equaliser.

Jack Stacey - 7

Struggled throughout in handling Kebano, which was accentuated by the lack of protection afforded to him by the midfield diamond and Jaidon Anthony playing higher up. Stacey did, however, make a crucial block towards the end of the first half.

Gary Cahill - 7

Bournemouth may never have had two centre backs better suited to the type of game it became. Cahill, like Steve Cook, dug in for 83 minutes, blocking and heading most things. Eventually, amid the overwhelming pressure, Cahill came undone following a Tom Cairney cross.

Steve Cook - 8

Cook was outstanding in the first half, relishing the physical battle with Mitrovic and showing his obvious leadership qualities in guiding Bournemouth through a tricky opening 45 minutes. His double block in the six yard box, where he threw himself at two quick fire shots was extraordinary.

Cook remained resolute in everything he did until Tosin's goal.

Adam Smith - 7

A fervent atmosphere, the type Adam Smith so obviously relishes. From time wasting to making cute fouls, Smith stuck to defensive tasks well, with Fulham instead mostly attacking down Stacey's side. Was the main source of frustration from the home support. Considering it was his first match in over a month, Smith slotted back in very well.

Lewis Cook - 7

His best game back since injury. Was booked early on, but stayed calm, shuttled around midfield well and understood when to calm the tempo when the side had possession. Cook was put under considerable pressure in midfield towards the end but never faded.

Emiliano Marcondes - 6

Unsurprisingly, given it was his first start since August 28, Marcondes never became accustomed to the tempo of the game and often got drowned in a congested midfield. Was diligent defensively but would have wanted a bigger influence with the ball.

Philip Billing - 7

Was given the most defensive responsibility he's had this season, tasked with playing in a deeper midfield role and providing cover to Stacey against Kebano. Initially, Billing struggled early with his positioning and was dispossessed.

The second half, literally immediately, Billing conjured up one of his moments of definition on the match, with a perfectly timed lofted ball for Dominic Solanke to finish. He may go through the motions at times, but the Dane tends to have a say in tight matches.

Ryan Christie - 7

The Scot was used as a pawn in Scott Parker's attempt of tactical deception and began the game at the tip of a midfield diamond, with Dominic Solanke and Jaidon Anthony flanking him either side. The purpose was to create a four versus three overload centrally, stretching Jean Michael Seri and Harrison Reed.

With Parker hunting for Bournemouth to control games better in recent times, Christie was key, repeatedly receiving the ball in tight areas and looking to play forward. Was also, as ever, tireless in his work out of possession.

Dominic Solanke - 8

Solanke never seems to have a bad game. The forward was again at his influential best, adapting to the left forward role given to him by Parker seamlessly. Having threatened throughout the first half to do something in that inside channel, the timing of his run and subsequent finish seconds into the second half was exquisite. In a battle of the strikers, technically, there might not be anyone better than him within the Championship.

Jaidon Anthony - 7

Like Solanke, Anthony's performances levels very rarely waver. He added pace to Bournemouth's fast breaks and in the second half, upon returning to a deeper role, tracked back and worked in tandem with Smith. Perhaps could have added more incision to his dribbling as there were occasions where he failed to attack the space left by Fulham's right hand side.

Substitutes

Ben Pearson (Marcondes 55') - 7

Pearson's introduction provoked a change of shape, with him anchoring the midfield alongside Lewis Cook. As his primary role, Pearson provided robustness centrally and mostly helped to safeguard Fulham's counter attacking threat.

Robbie Brady (Anthony 88') - 6

Made his Cherries debut at left wing back as Parker switched to a five man defence in the final minutes.



https://www.dorset.live/sport/football/football-news/close-parkers-signature-win-bournemouth-6300408

[WhiteJC]

Late Tosin header rescues point for Fulham

Tosin Adarabioyo's late equaliser kept Fulham the top of the Championship table.

Former Whites boss Scott Parker looked to have come back to haunt the club he left to take over at Bournemouth in the summer when Dominic Solanke's magnificent strike put them ahead straight after half-time.

Fulham dominated large periods of the second half but were frustrated by the resolute visitors, who defended superbly with skipper Steve Cook and goalkeeper Mark Travers producing outstanding displays.

But Tosin grabbed a point with his first goal in Fulham colours when he nodded home Tom Cairney's flighted cross.

An absorbing first half, played a break-neck pace, saw both teams have chances to score, with Solanke going closest for the Cherries when he headed wide from close range before dragging a shot past the post.

The hosts had plenty of opportunities to score before the break and should have had a penalty when Harry Wilson was caught in the box by Solanke, but the appeals was waved away by referee Tim Robinson.

Aleksandar Mitrovic and Fabio Carvalho were denied on the stroke of half-time by a magnificent piece of defending from Cook, who first blocked the Serbian's goal-bound effort with his leg and then threw his body in front of the follow-up shot from Carvalho.

But it was Bournemouth who opened the scoring just six seconds after the restart when Philip Billing chipped the ball to the onrushing Solanke from the kick-off and the former Chelsea trainee outpaced Denis Odoi and blasted into the top corner for a magnificent finish.

Mitrovic, who has 21 goals to his name this season, missed three good opportunities as Fulham desperately pressed for an equaliser.

It looked like it wasn't going to be Fulham's night when Neeskens Kebano missed a glorious chance when he somehow shot wide after Travers had parried a diving header from Mitrovic into his path.

But Fulham's pressure finally paid off in the 84th minute when Tosin glanced home from inside the box to rescue a point.

Fulham: Rodak, Odoi, Tosin, Read, Bryan, Reed, Seri (Cairney 70), Wilson, Kebano, Mitrovic, Carvalho (De Cordova-Reid 70).
Subs not used: Tete, Hector, Onomah, Muniz.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/late-tosin-header-rescues-point-for-fulham

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-1 Bournemouth: Pulsating Championship clash sees Scott Parker denied winning Craven Cottage return

Honours were even in the top-of-the-table Championship clash between Fulham and Bournemouth on Friday evening.

Dominic Solanke put Scott Parker's side ahead just seconds after the second-half kicked off on the Bournemouth boss' return to Craven Cottage before Tosin Adarabioyo rescued a point in the 84th in a pulsating encounter.

Both goalkeepers were tested early. Fulham's Marek Rodak was behind Adam Smith's drive comfortably enough before Mark Travers parried a low drive from Neeskens Kebano at the other end at the expense of a corner.

The lively Kebano was soon back for another go, with exactly the same result and the corner that followed led to a goalmouth scramble that saw the ball hit Bournemouth's Gary Cahill on his arm but referee Tim Robinson either did not notice or ruled it unintentional.

Lewis Cook was booked for a 15th-minute lunge on Kebano that saw both feet off the ground and play stopped soon after for Solanke, who was hurt in a collision with Adarabioyo, to get his head bandaged.

The bandage almost grabbed an instant assist, with Solanke planting a header from seven yards just wide of Rodak's right-hand post.

The former England man returned in the 30th minute with a burst into the box on the left and shot across goal that sailed just wide.

Jack Stacey became the next Bournemouth man to be booked, for another lunge on Kebano and the pair came together again soon after, with Stacey blocking the winger's shot from inside the six-yard box.

Referee Robinson had another decision to make within seconds when Harry Wilson went down in the area under a Solanke challenge but he dismissed penalty appeals.

Cherries skipper Steve Cook denied Fulham twice in the space of a few seconds right before the break. First he dived to stop Aleksandar Mitrovic curling the ball home from the left of the box.

Fabio Carvalho was on to the rebound but the veteran defender somehow managed to get his head in the way of his shot too.

There was still time for Fulham boss Marco Silva to be cautioned for excessive dissent - and his mood was hardly improved by Bournemouth scoring straight from the kick-off to start the second period.

A couple of passes were exchanged before Philip Billing's ball over the top saw Solanke outpace Denis Odoi and lash it high past Rodak.

Fulham responded with a Kebano effort that Travers tipped over the crossbar before Wilson forced another save and then fired an effort just wide.

Mitrovic had been kept quiet but sent a header narrowly over from a free-kick resulting from Adam Smith's cautionable tripping of Wilson.

Bournemouth tried to slow the game down, with Travers booked for time-wasting before saving another Mitrovic header and denying Kebano with his legs.

Travers dived to keep out another Mitrovic header - and Kebano lashed the loose ball wide from close range but Fulham would not be denied.

Adarabioyo met substitute Cairney's cross to head the ball beyond Travers from seven yards to keep the Cottagers top.

Additional reporting from PA



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-vs-bournemouth-championship-2021-result-b969999.html

[WhiteJC]

Tosin's late leveller keeps Fulham on top

Tosin Adarabioyo picked the perfect moment to break his Fulham duck as the towering centre half's late equaliser spoiled Scott Parker's return to Craven Cottage. Bournemouth looked poised to leave SW6 with all three points and move above Parker's old club at the top of the Championship courtesy of Dominic Solanke's stunning strike and some dogged defending, but Adarabioyo's glancing header from Tom Cairney's clipped cross handed the Whites a share of the spoils.

On the balance of play, that was the least Fulham deserved. They fashioned the clearer chances and – after being stung by Solanke's superb finish seven seconds into the second half – laid siege to the Bournemouth goal. The Cherries, already indebted to goalkeeper Mark Travers for a string of superb saves, paid for Parker's pragmatism as they were unable to cling onto their slender lead. Cairney, cast aside by Parker in Fulham's survival bid last season when the captain felt he was fit enough to play a part, came off the bench to add creativity in midfield and it was no surprise when he unlocked the visiting defence with a clever ball that Adarabioyo guided beyond Travers' despairing dive.

That Fulham were behind at all, having dominated an engrossing first half, probably had something to do with Parker's meticulous preparation and the inside track on his former employers. Straight from the restart, for which the away side had been sent out early, Philip Billing lifted a bill over Tim Ream and Denis Odoi for Solanke, who outmuscled the latter, and finished majestically past Marek Rodak. The goal briefly discombobulated Fulham but rather than go for the kill, Bournemouth were content to sit on their narrow lead – and that negativity proved costly.

Fulham's brightest spark throughout was the lively Neeskens Kebano, another player overlooked by Parker during his time at Craven Cottage. The Congolese winger ran Bournemouth ragged down the left flank, with Lewis Cook and Jack Stacey both booked for cutting him down. Kebano twice drew excellent stops from Travers inside the first fifteen minutes before being denied by a brave block from Stacey as he sought to turn home Fabio Carvalho's cross. The visitors' goal was living a charmed life – as illustrated by the way Steve Cook somehow blocked twice in quick succession from Mitrovic and Carvalho after Kebano had cut open the away defence.

The home side were incensed that there were not awarded a penalty when Wilson was tripped inside the area by Solanke and Tim Robinson also only opted to book Lewis Cook for his wild, knee-high lunge on Kebano. Bournemouth operated mostly on the counter attack with Rodak saving smartly from Adam Smith before Solanke sent a free header wide and drove a low effort past the far post after accelerating away from Adarabioyo.

But Solanke grabbed his goal in eye-catching fashion seconds after the interval, firing clinically into the top corner after Fulham's defence had been caught out by Billing's brilliant vision. Kebano quickly tested Travers again at his near post and Wilson's rising drive whistled just past the angle of post and bar as Bournemouth dropped deeper and deeper. Aleksandar Mitrovic, well marshalled for the most part by the visiting defence, skimmed the crossbar with a header from a Jean Michael Seri free-kick before heading a short corner into Travers' arms.

Cairney immediately perked up Fulham's attack after arriving off the bench, with one lovely pass sending Kebano clean through on goal – only for Travers to successfully narrow the angle at his near post. The Scottish midfielder then delivered a free-kick right on Mitrovic's head only for Travers to palm away again before Kebano somehow screwed the follow-up into the side netting from four yards out. Just when it looked like it wasn't going to be Fulham's night, Adarabioyo flicked home another fabulous Cairney delivery to the delight of a roaring Craven Cottage – and an ecstatic Marco Silva on the touchline. The delightful defender mocked Solanke's bow and arrow celebration, even if he was more interested in getting back to the centre circle.

Fulham pushed for a winner during four minutes of added time, but they had to settle for a point that preserved their position at the top of the Championship table. Kebano summed up their disappointed, sat on the turf after the final whistle, reflecting on a pulsating contest. Perhaps more pertinently, he was clutching his hamstring. Silva will hope his lively winger isn't seriously injured as he begins to contemplate the Christmas programme.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Odoi, Bryan, Adarabioyo, Ream; Seri (Cairney 70), Reed; Wilson, Kebano, Carvalho (Decordova-Reid 70), Wilson; Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Gazzaniga, Tete, Hector, Onomah, Muniz.

BOOKED: Carvalho, Bryan, Decordova-Reid.

GOAL: Adarabioyo (84).

AFC BOURNEMOUTH (4-1-2-3): Travers; Stacey, Smith (Mepham 89), Cahill, S. Cook,; L. Cook; Marcondes (Pearson 56), Billing; Christie, Solanke, Anthony (Brady 89). Subs (not used): Nyland, Kilkenny, Rogers, Lowe.

BOOKED: L. Cook, Stacey, Smith, Travers, R. Christie, Billing.

GOAL: Solanke (46).

REFEREE: Tim Robinson (West Sussex).

ATTENDANCE: 19,020.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/12/tosins-late-leveller-keeps-fulham-on-top/

[WhiteJC]

Silva: 'We deserved more'

Marco Silva insisted Fulham deserved more than the draw they got against Bournemouth in the top of the table Championship clash at Craven Cottage this evening.

The hosts dominated much of an absorbing contest but fell behind right at the start of the second half with Dominic Solanke finishing off a sensational Bournemouth move from the restart. Silva was bitterly disappointed with how his side conceded the goal, but hailed their powers of recovery to wrestle a point back at the death. He told his post-match press conference after the final whistle:

"A good game, two strong sides on the pitch. We didn't change anything like we are doing so far. They came here with a different strategy, they changed a little bit the formation, to be a little bit more compact in that middle zone, the way they tried to build with four midfielders instead of three and just two players in the attack line.

"First five minutes, we took some time to adapt and after that we start to control the game. We knew before the match we could not lose the balance because they will be strong in that moment. First half was a bit more balanced with the chances that we created and I think we deserved more, we deserved a clear 2-0 lead in the score at half time.

The only thing I didn't like, we lost for two seconds our focus and discipline in our organisation and they punished us. We cannot concede a goal like we conceded from the kick-off, our backline slept completely in the moment. But I'm proud really of the way they reacted. I'm really proud of our fans and how they helped us and pushed us.

What we did against a really strong side, the stats are there. We pushed them back, there are 10 players around their box and we created chances and chances to score. At the end we scored, we clearly deserved more from the game. We were the best team on the pitch."

The Fulham head coach hailed the impact of his substitutes, Tom Cairney and Bobby Decordova-Reid, who added greater incisiveness to the Whites' attacks in the final twenty minutes. Cairney created Fulham's equaliser and Silva was delighted with how his changes made the difference.

"Both players made a big impact in the game. It is something we planned, Tom and Bobby made a big impact on the game and we expected that. Tom with his quality, Bobby to put a bit more fresh legs in that right side with Harry Wilson, and we started to create a lot of problems for them."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/12/silva-we-deserved-more/

[WhiteJC]

Parker's return to Fulham ends in draw

Scott Parker claimed Bournemouth's goal was "straight off the training ground" after his first return to Fulham as an opposition manager ended in a 1-1 draw.

Tosin Adarabioyo's late equaliser kept Marco Silva's side at the Championship summit after Dominic Solanke's goal for the Cherries just seconds into the second half looked like sending the visitors two points clear.

Defender Adarabioyo headed home a cross from substitute Tom Cairney to ensure Fulham remained a point ahead from an often bad-tempered encounter.

"It was straight off the training ground," Parker confirmed. "We did a lot of work on Thursday and a lot of studying previous to that. This game was always going to be on fine margins so we worked hard on that, worked out on where they were weak in those situations."

Silva was annoyed by the nature of the Bournemouth goal but pleased with the way his players reacted, with goalkeeper Mark Travers making a string of second-half saves.

"The one thing I didn't like was we lost our focus," said Silva of the Bournemouth goal. "Our backline slept, and we cannot concede like that at our level.

"I am really proud of the way we reacted. After conceding a sloppy, goal we pushed them back with 10 players around their box and we created chances and chances. At the end we score but it was clear we deserved more because we were the best team on the pitch."

Silva was annoyed referee Tim Robinson and his assistants failed to spot Solanke's foul on Harry Wilson in the Bournemouth penalty area before half-time - the sort of offence that is routinely picked up by VAR.

"I don't like to speak to referees," Silva said. "Yet another key decision has gone against us. Hopefully decisions will start changing for us.

"Tonight was a penalty. It's difficult to keep talking about these situations. The ref didn't give the penalty and it's my job to control my players. The way we can fight and play against this team.

"We keep doing what we are doing but the feeling is it's against us. It's tough for us as a club."

Parker insisted it had been a point gained rather than two lost simply because Fulham have been so strong this season.

The former England midfielder walked out on Fulham in June because he was frustrated with the way the club was being run by its American owners.

"It was all good," he said of his Craven Cottage return. "I have a job to do with Bournemouth now but I had two unbelievable years with Fulham."



https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/parkers-return-to-fulham-ends-in-draw-c-4812220

[WhiteJC]

Adarabioyo delighted to get off the mark

Tosin Adarabioyo was delighted to get off the mark with his first goal for Fulham – and the big defender took the positives from last night's draw with second-placed Bournemouth.

Marco Silva's side were on the front foot for much of the contest but had to settle for a point as Adarabioyo's glancing header six minutes from time cancelled out Dom Solanke's opener seconds after half time. Adarabioyo told FFC TV after the final whistle:

"It's still a point gained. It's another point on the table, unfortunately we couldn't get the three points but we keep going. It was just another one of those games were we created a lot of chances. I think we had 24 shots, but we didn't manage to get the goals we needed."

The former Manchester City man was disappointed with the way Fulham conceded to a training ground move seven seconds after the restart, but felt his side's response showed how determined they way not to give up any ground in the promotion race.

"It was quick after half time. It was obviously something they had worked on, it worked out perfectly. Again, on our side we have to sniff that out better. All the boys were on it today. We were motivated to get the three points, we only managed to get one but again it was great to get a point."

The centre half was overjoyed to finally score his first goal for the club, guiding home a terrific cross from Tom Cairney and played down the significance of his mocking of Solanke's trademark bow and arrow celebration as the Bournemouth striker is a close friend.

"Definitely. Hopefully, it will be the first of a few. The ball was around the edge of the box for a while, checked my shoulder tried to move into a bit of space and the ball lands onto my head, just flicked it on and it went in at the far post. To finally get the goal was really good. It was a great moment. Dom Solanke is one of my best friends – so it was just a bit of banter."

Adarabioyo's target remains keeping Fulham clear at the top of the table as the Whites begin to contemplate the festive fixtures.

"It's another a point, we're top of the table and we keep moving. It's very tough to go ten games unbeaten. Hopefully, it can continue."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2021/12/adarabioyo-delighted-to-get-off-the-mark/