Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 19/01/22...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Tuesday
Fulham	6-2	Birmingham
Preston NE	2-2	Sheff Utd

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 6-2 Birmingham City

Fabio Carvalho scored Fulham's 18th Championship goal inside a week before Antonee Robinson made it 19

Free-scoring Fulham extended their advantage at the top of the Championship to five points as they hit Birmingham City for six at Craven Cottage.

Blues defender Marc Roberts put through his own net before Fulham - who have now scored an incredible 19 goals in three league games - cantered to a 4-1 first-half lead.

Neeskens Kebano, Fabio Carvalho and Tom Cairney all struck in the space of eight minutes, only for Ivan Sunjic and Gary Gardner to halve the deficit either side of the break.

But teenager Carvalho scored the first double of his career to make it 5-2 before Antonee Robinson netted in added time to seal victory and condemn Birmingham to a sixth game without a win.

Fulham's last two games have now finished 6-2 following Saturday's victory over Bristol City, with Reading on the end of a 7-0 scoreline a week ago.

They are the first English side in 88 years to score six or more goals in three consecutive games, a feat last achieved by Chester City in the 1933-34 season.

Robinson's strike with virtually the last kick of the game was also their 70th Championship goal of the campaign.

Surprisingly, Championship top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic failed to add to his 27 goals this time around, although he played his part in Fulham's 10th-minute opener. The Serbia striker put Roberts under pressure as he lunged in before the defender sent Harry Wilson's cross over his own line.



Despite being utterly dominated in terms of possession, Blues kept their hosts at bay until the last 10 minutes of the first half, at which point the Fulham conveyor belt whirred into top gear again.

Kebano made it 2-0 on the run, slamming Denis Odoi's cross into the roof of the net and Robinson supplied the assist from the opposite flank for 19-year-old Carvalho to direct his header into the far corner two minutes later.

The two previous scorers then combined to set up Cairney for the home side's fourth goal, a low drive that flew in off the post.

However, Birmingham responded on the stroke of half-time, with Sunjic collecting Jeremie Bela's pass and unleashing a thunderous finish beyond the outstretched arm of Marek Rodak.

That seemed to inspire the visitors and they began the second half brightly, with Lukas Jutkiewicz testing Rodak before Kristian Pedersen teed up Gardner to drill into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

If that had given Birmingham a glimmer of hope, it was extinguished just a minute later by Carvalho, who galloped inside onto Bobby Decordova-Reid's pass and buried it beyond Neil Etheridge.

At the other end, Rodak tipped over Ryan Woods' effort to deny Birmingham a late consolation and Fulham had the final word as Robinson lashed home their sixth from the edge of the box with just seconds remaining.

Fulham boss Marco Silva told BBC Radio London:"We are working really hard, they are understanding the way we can create problems for our opponents and after they are showing the quality on the pitch to do it.

"We are showing the capacity to do it on a match day and I'm really pleased to see it.

"Tonight we showed our quality, showed that we are getting better, showed that our players are confident as well.

"But we have to be humble at the same time, really humble as a team because despite three points and a fantastic score again, another one will come and be tough for us."

Birmingham manager Lee Bowyer told BBC WM 95.6:

"We didn't do too much wrong and then they go 'bang, goal'. You can't stop the power, the strength, the quality they have.

"They're quality all over the pitch, they're a different animal to us and everything they do is with a purpose. We're a hard working team and no matter how hard the players tried, they still couldn't get close to them.

"We kept Mitrovic quiet but they've got so many players all over the pitch - the left-back's come and screamed one in from 25 yards.

"It's a tough night and we have to put that behind us."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59715165

[WhiteJC]

Post-Birmingham Press Conference

Marco Silva was pleased to see Fulham on the right end of another impressive scoreline, despite not being at their best against Birmingham City.

As was the case at the weekend, the Whites triumphed 6-2 at Craven Cottage – leaving their Head Coach feeling satisfied.

"Very good result for us," Silva stated in his post-match press conference. "Fantastic score again, [but] was not our best performance.

"For us as a team, and for me as a manager, even if we don't perform at our best level, we showed the capacity to create chances, score goals, and to have some very good attacking moments and show our quality.

"The players understand for this game the ways we want to attack our opponent. Of course, moments that you are winning 4-1, 5-2, I expect to control the ball better, manage the ball better, move the ball quicker, make them run back to the ball.

"The changes I made during the match were to control the ball better. For all these games in a row, we have not enough time to rest in between matches.

"If you have better control of the ball during the game you can rest during some matches with these kind of scores."

Having been 4-0 down, Birmingham briefly threatened to claw their way back into the match with a goal either side of half-time.

Fulham responded well with another two of our own, but Silva was disappointed with the manner of those let in.

"We cannot concede the two goals in the way that we do," he explained. "In some moments we should play our way, our game.

"The other times, we have to play the other part of the game. We have to be a bit more ugly, a bit more aggressive.

"The way we concede the second goal, the first goal as well; we have to improve in these kinds of situations."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/january/18/post-birmingham-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Ex-Nottingham Forest loanee Anthony Knockaert set for move

Birmingham City could be about to sign former Nottingham Forest loanee Anthony Knockaert, according to Birmingham Live.

The Blues want the Fulham star to try and kick-start their season after a pretty wretched run of form.

Knockaert is now 30-years-old. This season has been a struggle though and he's managed just 20 minutes of football in the Championship.

He's at the age where he needs to play and Birmingham are in desperate need of reinforcements.

Birmingham have sizeable issues with their owners and boss Lee Bowyer finds his hands tied somewhat when it comes to attracting players.

Knockaert would likely jump at the chance to play regular football again.

He was handed that chance last season as Chris Hughton decided to get the band back together when he arrived at Forest.

Knockaert made 35 appearances for Forest, scoring three goals and claiming two assists in a struggling team.

It was never likely that Hughton would sign him permanently. Fulham were demanding crazy money and his £35,000-a-week salary made any deal a non-starter.

Knockaert did flatter to deceive a lot at Forest. It didn't really work out for him and he looks pretty rusty from the off.

Forest proved right not to sign Knockaert permanently
If the experienced player was going to pull up any trees in the second tier, he'd be playing more often for Fulham.

That hasn't happened though and he's way out of the picture under Marco Silva.

Forest have added Philip Zinckernagel instead, with Brennan Johnson forming an integral part of the team during 2021/22.

Those two have both been in fine form and are regulars in the team under Steve Cooper.

They've both combined to mean that Forest haven't missed Knockaert in the Reds attack and it'll be interesting to see whether a move to Birmingham transpires.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2022/01/18/report-ex-nottingham-forest-loanee-anthony-knockaert-set-for-move/

[WhiteJC]

St. Mary's transfer news: Southampton 'leading the race' to sign Championship sensation

Southampton are frontrunners to sign Fulham attacker Fabio Carvalho, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The 19-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with several Premier League sides.

What's the latest news with Carvalho?

Despite only making his senior professional debut 16 months ago, Carvalho has enjoyed a rapid rise from Fulham's Under-18s side to becoming a key part of Marco Silva's first-team.

He marked his full Premier League debut with a wonderful goal against Southampton in May, but only started to draw plaudits at the beginning of this Championship season. Carvalho scored three goals and laid on one assist in his first five appearances, before missing two months through injury.

But the teenager gave everyone a timely reminder of his quality with a fine finish against Barnsley before Christmas and an even better goal in Fulham's 6-2 victory over Bristol City last weekend.

Therefore, Carvalho, who recently turned down a contract offer from the Cottagers, is attracting attention from some of Europe's top clubs, including Real Madrid.

Southampton have also been credited with an interest in the attacking midfielder, and Jones thinks that Ralph Hasenhuttl's side are at the front of the queue for his signature.

What did Jones say about Carvalho?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "There is competition from various clubs, particularly from Southampton, who have really been leading the race to sign Fabio Carvalho."

Full reaction on The Football Terrace as Aston Villa complete TWO-GOAL COMEBACK vs Man United!

Who else is linked with Carvalho?

Given that Carvalho has been taking the Championship by storm this season, with five goals in just 12 league starts, it's not a great surprise that Southampton aren't the only top-flight side in the running.

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool are also keen on signing him, who could leave before the end of the January window, although he's available on a free transfer in July.

His contract situation leaves Fulham and Silva with a major conundrum. They'll obviously want to keep Carvalho until the end of the season to boost their promotion hopes but seeing someone of his ability leave for nothing next summer would also be a huge blow to the hierarchy at the club.



https://www.givemesport.com/1823199-st-marys-transfer-news-southampton-leading-the-race-to-sign-championship-sensation

[WhiteJC]

Report: Boardroom beef gives West Ham the edge over Liverpool for forward Fabio Carvalho

New report claims a boardroom beef gives West Ham the edge over Liverpool in the race for Fulham forward Fabio Carvalho.

Winger-cum-wide forward Carvalho has been a revelation for Fulham in the Championship this season and has reportedly attracted the attention of both West Ham and Liverpool.

The 19-year-old has scored five goals and laid on an assist in 15 appearances and also has a brilliant average match rating of over seven (WhoScored).

Carvalho is out of contract at Fulham at the end of the season, meaning either West Ham or Liverpool could stand to get the exciting youngster for a paltry tribunal fee if they wait until the summer.

But both clubs have also been linked with bids of around £5m this month to secure his services before then.

That's according to a new report from The Sun which claims a boardroom beef between Fulham and Liverpool over Harvey Elliott gives West Ham the edge in the race for Carvalho.

Report: Boardroom beef gives West Ham the edge over Liverpool for forward Fabio Carvalho

"The Reds are weighing up a £5million January swoop for the 19-year-old winger amid reports that Hammers are also prepared to pounce..." The Sun claims.

"But the Reds will have to tread carefully as there is still bad feeling at the London club about Harvey Elliott's switch from Craven Cottage to Anfield in 2019.

"If Fulham suspect any tapping-up or other dark arts of the transfer market in relation to Carvalho, they could make life difficult for Liverpool...

"Fulham and Liverpool were unable to reach an agreement over Elliott, 18, with the Londoners seeking up to £7m. In February 2021 the Professional Football Compensation Committee ruled that Liverpool should pay an initial £1.5m for Elliott, and set out performance-related conditions for up to £2.8m of future payments and a 20 per cent sell-on clause."

The bad blood between Liverpool and Fulham will be music to the ears of West Ham boss David Moyes if the Hammers really are interested.

Carvalho fits Moyes's West Ham recruitment policy to a tee. The attacker is young, quick, athletic, talented and would undoubtedly be hungry to prove himself at the top level.

West Ham interest would also tally with the appointment of Rob Newman as head of recruitment.

Newman, the former Man City international talent transfer chief, has been charged by Moyes with identifying young players to fit with the Scot's key criteria.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/report-boardroom-beef-gives-west-ham-the-edge-over-liverpool-for-forward-fabio-carvalho/

[WhiteJC]

'May as well hand them the title already' – Fulham enter transfer chase for 29-year-old international: The verdict

This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Automatic promotion favourites Fulham are interested in a potential move for current free agent and Denmark international Christian Eriksen, Football League World understands.

The 29-year-old was released from his contract at Serie A outfit Inter Milan due to the fact he was barred from planning in the Italian top division after having an internal defibrillator fitted, a required procedure for the midfielder who suffered a cardiac arrest in Denmark's opening Euro 2020 group game against Finland.

Thankfully, he made a full recovery and is now prepared to make his return to professional football, with no shortage of interest from English clubs in his signature.

Premier League sides Brentford, Leicester City and Newcastle United are all reported to be in the race for his signature along with Fulham, with the former even going as far as offering the Dane a short-term deal to join the west London outfit.

A move back to England wouldn't be his first spell in the country, plying his trade at Tottenham Hotspur in a successful six-and-a-half year spell in North London.

But looking at this possible move from the Cottagers' point of view, would it be a good signing? And is he a much-needed addition for Marco Silva's men?

We asked three of our writers at Football League World to deliver their verdicts on these two key talking points.

Billy Mulley

This would be an unbelievable signing at Craven Cottage.

I cannot imagine seeing Christian Eriksen playing Championship football, but this appears to be a move that would almost guarantee them a spot in the Premier League.

Given their attacking talent already at their disposal, I would have been reluctant to say that they needed any more attacking reinforcements, however, Eriksen is cut from a different cloth.

It is brilliant to see that he is ready to play football again, and whilst he has spent a long time recovering, it is likely that he still possesses the same levels of ability.

Not only would the signing of Eriksen help them over the line this season in the Championship, but he is someone who will improve their chances of staying up in the top tier.

Josh Cole

This could turn out to be a great bit of business by Fulham if they are able to win the race for Eriksen's signature as it will show that they are building for the future.

The Denmark international knows exactly what it takes to compete in the Premier League as he provided an impressive total of 118 direct goal contributions at this level during his stint at Tottenham Hotspur and thus he could turn out to be an asset for the Cottagers if they seal a return to this division later this year.

When you consider that Fulham are already able to call upon the services of Harry Wilson, Neeskens Kebano and Aleksandar Mitrovic, the arrival of Eriksen could bolster their chances of winning the Championship title.

Whereas it may take the midfielder some time to get up to speed due to his recent inactivity, there is no reason why he cannot eventually provide the club's supporters with some memorable moments at Craven Cottage.

Charlie Gregory

Christian Eriksen is going to be a fantastic signing for whoever lands him, regardless of his heart problems and whether he 'lived up to the hype' at Inter Milan.

The fact of the matter is that the 29-year-old dictated the play for Tottenham year on year and when he eventually made the move to Italy, he couldn't meet the lofty standards that he set for himself – but he was still rather good.

To let Eriksen loose in the Championship with a team like Fulham, who already have the incredible Aleksandar Mitrovic up front, you may as well hand them the title already.

If he can produce even half of what he did for Spurs at Craven Cottage then he is most definitely a good signing for them and regardless of who they have currently playing in the team that would need to make way for him, it would certainly be worth it.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/may-as-well-hand-them-the-title-already-fulham-enter-transfer-chase-for-29-year-old-international-the-verdict/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 6-2 Birmingham: Championship leaders' relentless run continues as they tot up an incredible 19 goals in just three matches to move five points clear

    Fulham thrashed Birmingham City 5-2 in another goalfest for the the leaders
    Marco Silva's side have scored 19 goals in their last three league games
    The thrashing followed 6-2 win over Bristol City, 7-0 drubbing of Reading

Birmingham were battered 6-2 and yet still came away feeling like they'd got off lightly.

For the third time in seven days, Fulham were in that ruthless kind of mood where any number of goals seemed possible.

After seven at Reading, six against Bristol City, and six again here. Of course, that was more than adequate to take them five points clear at the top of the Championship.


Fabio Carvalho (R) and Antonee Robinson (L) were both on target in the 6-2 hammering


Birmingham were the latest victims of Fulham's relentless goalscoring streak

After a Marc Roberts own goal set them on their way, strikes from Neeskens Kebano, Fabio Carvalho and Tom Cairney settled it before half-time. Carvalho scored a late fifth after Birmingham had replied twice before Antonee Robinson rounded it off.

So that's the 19 goals in 270 minutes of football. All in all, that can be classed as a satisfactory week for Marco Silva and his team.

After a sticky patch in December, Fulham have roared back to their best and have again pulled clear of Bournemouth and Blackburn at the top. Continue in this rich vein and they'll be strolling back to the big time.

As subsequent events would reiterate, Fulham are more than capable of scoring goals without being given a helping hand.

Seven nights ago at Reading they were gifted the first of seven goals by a dreadful backpass by Josh Laurent. This time, Birmingham offered up an own goal, albeit an unlucky one.

Just 10 minutes had elapsed and the visitors had looked genuinely threatening but when Cairney played a pass that deflected off Carvalho and into the path of Harry Wilson, Birmingham were in all kinds of trouble.

Wilson's low cross would surely have been turned in by the prowling Aleksandar Mitrovic but Roberts applied the finish for him as he slid in at the near post to try and intercept the cross.


Neeskens Kebano stole in behind to slam his shot high into the net and score Fulham's second

The early goal gave Fulham a good amount of control but we had the absurd situation of them reaching the half hour without actually having a shot of their own.

That was soon rectified as they rattled in three goals in an eight minute spell that Birmingham will have nightmares about for many months to come.

The second was similar to the first. Tosin Adarabioyo found Wilson with a ball from the back and the underlapping run of Denis Odoi was picked out.

His cross was firm and low, perfect for Kebano to steal in behind and slam his shot high into the net.

Two became three in what seemed like a heartbeat as the dam burst. The build-up this time was on the left side, with Kebano waiting patiently for Robinson's overlap before setting him free.


Antonee Robinson celebrates putting the icing on the cake with the last kick of the game

Robinson's cross was met with the most accomplished glancing header by Carvalho, certainly not bad for a 19-year-old and another indicator of why he's rated so highly at Craven Cottage and beyond.

Chants of 'we want seven' echoed around the wooden seats of the Johnny Haynes Stand. The players seemed to take up the challenge and almost did it.

The fourth came a couple of minutes before half-time with Fulham simply toying with the Birmingham defence. They worked the ball from the left to the right and back again.

Wilson drove across the edge of the box looking for a shooting angle, gave up and passed to Kebano. He moved it on to Cairney who swept a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Irony of ironies, the best goal of the first-half came from Birmingham. In stoppage time, Ivan Sunjic collected a pass infield from Jeremie Bela on the left, looked up and curled home an immaculate shot off the post.

'We're gonna win five-four,' sang the away section, not afraid of some gallows humour.

So Fulham walked in for half-time having scored 17 goals in 225 minutes of football, more than bottom-placed Barnsley have managed all season.

Birmingham battened down the hatches for the second-half and things calmed. Fulham seemed content with their lot for a good while.

Carvalho couldn't generate enough power to beat Neil Etheridge after Wilson flicked the ball to him just outside the box.


Fulham fans chanted 'we want seven' and the players seemed to take up the challenge

So could the visitors make the contest a bit more interesting? Yes, actually. With 17 minutes left, Gardner drilled in Birmingham's second from Kristian Pedersen's pass.

That was the footballing equivalent of prodding a hornet's nest. Fulham instantly broke forward and Carvalho took a pass from Bobby De Cordova Reid before picking out the bottom corner.

The icing on the cake came when Robinson fired home left-footed with pretty much the last kick of the game.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10416019/Fulham-6-Birmingham-2-Leaders-relentless-run-continues-tot-19-goals-three-matches.html

[WhiteJC]

Birmingham crushed in latest Fulham demolition job

Fulham stretched their lead at the top of the Championship to five points with a third consecutive thumping win.

The Whites, who scored seven at Reading and six against Bristol City in their previous two matches, made it a whopping 19 goals in three games.

Fabio Carvalho got two in another one-sided match at Craven Cottage, where Neeskens Kebano scored again and Tom Cairney and Antonee Robinson also found the net.

Fulham went ahead when Birmingham defender Marc Roberts, under pressure from Aleksandar Mitrovic, turned Harry Wilson's cross into his own net.

Kebano doubled the lead by firing into the roof of the net after being set up by Denis Odoi's low cross – the winger's fourth goal in three matches.

Carvalho got the third, heading home Robinson's left-wing cross, and then set up Cairney, who slotted in the fourth.

Ivan Sunjic pulled a goal back for the visitors with a cracking strike from near the edge of the penalty area just before the interval.

Gary Gardner further reduced the deficit when he blasted in after being found by Kristian Pederson.

But Carvalho made it 5-2 a minute later with a composed finish into the bottom corner.

And Robinson completed the rout by driving in the sixth in the final moments.

Fulham: Rodak, Odoi, Tosin, Ream, Robinson, Reed (Onomah 81), Cairney (Chalobah 69), Wilson, Carvalho, Kebano (De Cordova-Reid 68), Mitrovic.
Subs not used: Gazzaniga, Tete, Mawson, Muniz.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/birmingham-crushed-in-latest-fulham-demolition-job

[WhiteJC]

Relentless Fulham batter Blues

Lee Bowyer was right to be worried. Fulham, fresh from rattling in thirteen goals in two matches last week, kept up their sensational rate of scoring by putting six past the Blues to stretch their lead at the top of the Championship table to five points.

The Blues were brave and dogged but once Marc Roberts put through his own net to give the Londoners the lead, it felt only a matter of time before the floodgates opened. The Whites scored three in eight minutes to give themselves a scarcely believable lead before half-time, with the only black mark being Ivan Sunjic's superb curler that beat Marek Rodak right on the interval. Gary Gardner's glorious low drive threatened to bring Birmingham back in it – but that only served to anger the hosts, who added late strikes from Fabio Carvalho and Antonee Robinson to underline their superiority.

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of another resounding victory was the fact that Fulham ran riot without Aleksandar Mitrovic's name appearing on scoresheet. The Serbian's presence certainly prompted Roberts to try and touch a low cross from Harry Wilson away from danger in the tenth minute. It only flew past the unfortunate former Fulham goalkeeper Neil Etheridge – but on the whole the visiting defence dealt with Mitrovic as well as any else has during his sensational scoring season. But Marco Silva's men are far from a one-man team: and they set about proving it after a tight half an hour where they only had a couple of blocked shots from Tom Cairney and Wilson to show for their dominance.

The crucial second arrived ten minutes before half time through a purposeful period of Fulham passing. Tosin Adarabioyo spread the ball out wide to Wilson and the Welsh winger fed the onrushing Odoi, whose low cross was clinically converted by Neeskens Kebano. Three minutes later and it was three. Robinson raced down the left and lifted a cross towards the near post where young Fabio Carvalho climbed majestically and glanced a deft header into the far corner.

Suddenly, it felt like Fulham could score at any moment. A mesmorising move comprising of patient passing saw Silva's side add another that could have come from the Portuguese' coaching manual. They kept the ball with a series of immaculate passes in the final third before Wilson wandered across the field and spread the play to Kebano in the inside left position. The Congolese winger darted inside and slid a low cut back towards Tom Cairney, who lashed a lovely finish into the far corner.

Sunjic produced a peach of a response for Birmingham, with his curling effort from 20 yards carrying too much power for Rodak, and to their immense credit, Bowyer's men were even more adventurous in the second half. After Etheridge had held a drive from Carvalho, Birmingham pushed men forward and Lukas Jutkiewicz tested Rodak after fashioning a chance for himself on the edge of the box with a clever turn. Harrison Reed was fortunate to receive only a booking after a late lunge at Gary Gardner and while Fulham took a breather, the visitors pressed higher up the field and got their rewards. When Gary Gardner produced an unerring low finish after Kristian Pedersen had pinched possession off Tosin Adarabioyo, their loud travelling supporters might have been dreaming of an unlikely comeback.

Those hopes were snuffed out almost immediately by Carvalho, who produced another fine finish to make it five. Two Fulham substitutes, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Nathaniel Chalobah were instrumental in the build up before the teenager stroked his second of the evening from just outside the box. Blues kept on playing – with an impressive cameo from young substitute Jordan James and Ryan Woods testing Rodak's athleticism – but the hosts hit six for the second time in four days when Robinson rifled home Josh Onomah's pass to put the gloss on another unforgettable evening at Craven Cottage.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Odoi, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Reed (Onomah 81), Cairney (Chalobah 69); Wilson, Kebano (Decordova-Reid 69), Carvalho; Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Gazzaniga, Tete, Mawson, Muniz.

BOOKED: Reed.

GOAL: Roberts (o.g. 10), Kebano (35), Carvalho (38, 75), Cairney (43), Robinson (90+3).

BIRMINGHAM CITY (3-5-2): Etheridge; Mengi, Roberts (Friend 64), Pedersen; Colin, Bela, Sunjic, Woods, Gardner; Jutkiewicz (Hogan 64), Hernandez (James 82). Subs (not used): Trueman, Masampu, Bellingham, Campbell.

BOOKED: Pedersen.

GOAL: Sunjic (45), Gardner (74).

REFEREE: Gavin Ward (Surrey).

ATTENDANCE: 16,491.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/relentless-fulham-batter-blues/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 6-2 Birmingham: Cottagers go goal-crazy again to stretch Championship lead to five points

For the third time in a week, Fulham went goal-crazy against one of the Championship's lower mid-table sides - this time with six goals smashed past Birmingham.

The Cottagers hit seven past Reading without reply last Tuesday before romping to a 6-2 win at home to Bristol City on the weekend.

And the goals were shared between five players, including one of Birmingham's, to match that scoreline again at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night to build out their lead atop the table to five points.

Fulham's first came in the 10th minute when Tom Cairney's deflected pass put Harry Wilson into a crossing position on the right.

The Welshman's delivery looked perfect for Aleksandar Mitrovic to add to his 27-goal tally but Blues defender Marc Roberts got there first to deflect the ball past ex-Fulham keeper Neil Etheridge and into his own net.

Wilson saw a drive ping behind off a defender on the half-hour mark and though Birmingham had kept their shape well since suffering the early setback, their defence was breached again in the 35th minute.

Again Wilson was involved on the right, this time sending defender Denis Odoi forward to launch a cross. Birmingham were caught flat-footed and Kebano raced in ahead of Maxime Colin to fire home a first-time effort past Etheridge.

Goal number three quickly followed in the 38th minute. Neeskens Kebano was involved again but it was Robinson who claimed the assist as Fabio Carvalho nipped in ahead of Teden Mengi to send a glancing header into the bottom corner.

Carvalho fired an effort at Etheridge straight after when Birmingham failed to clear their lines but Cairney scored from their next attack. Wilson, Kebano and Carvalho exchanged passes before the Fulham captain slotted in off a post while falling on his backside.

Birmingham pulled one back straight away through Ivan Sunjic, whose powerful drive from outside the box gave Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak no chance as it too went in off an upright.

Birmingham made it 4-2 in the 74th minute through Gardner's precision finish. Hernandez robbed substitute Nathaniel Chalobah of possession to allow Pedersen to advance and set up Gardner for a low drive between Rodak and his left-hand post.

Fulham restored their three-goal advantage within seconds, however, when Carvalho danced along the edge of the box before planting a low drive beyond Etheridge's reach. Robinson fizzed in another from the edge of the box in stoppage time to complete the rout.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-birmingham-report-goals-championship-b977457.html

[WhiteJC]

Lee Bowyer describes Fulham as a 'different animal' following Birmingham City's 6-2 defeat

Fulham had the beating of Blues for the third time this season on Tuesday evening

Birmingham City were hammered 6-2 by Fulham on Tuesday evening as Lee Bowyer's fell to their eighth straight game without a win in all competitions.

Gary Gardner and Ivan Sunjic were on hand to grab consolation goals for Blues on the night but after the hosts had raced into a 4-0 lead before the break - the game was already well and truly over.

Not even the most optimistic of supporter was expecting a result on Tuesday evening.

Fulham had scored 13 goals in their previous two games, a total Blues had mustered up over the course of their last 13.

And the hosts had the great honour of being able to spend a few pounds back in the summer to strengthen their squad, a total surpassing £20million if we're being precise.

Getting even a quarter of that is something Lee Bowyer can only dream of so it's no wonder there was such a gap in quality between the sides.

Fulham are just a better team, it's as straightforward as that.

And Bowyer simply had to hold is hand's up and say it how it is.

"We didn't do too much wrong and then they go 'bang, goal,' the boss told BBC WM.

"You can't stop the power, the strength, the quality they have.

"They're quality all over the pitch, they're a different animal to us and everything they do is with a purpose.

"We're a hard working team and no matter how hard the players tried, they still couldn't get close to them.

"We kept Mitrovic quiet but they've got so many players all over the pitch - the left-back's come and screamed one in from 25 yards.

"It's a tough night and we have to put that behind us."



https://www.birminghamworld.uk/sport/football/birmingham-city/lee-bowyer-describes-fulham-as-a-different-animal-following-birmingham-citys-6-2-defeat-3532775

[WhiteJC]

Silva salutes Fulham's ruthlessness

Marco Silva was delighted after Fulham stretched their lead at the top of the Championship to five points by hitting Birmingham for six at Craven Cottage tonight.

The Whites have now scored nineteen goals in their last three league outings having had to wait since December to resume their promotion push. The Fulham head coach told FFCTV that he was pleased by his side's ruthlessness in front of goal:

"We are really happy with the score. More happy with the three points – it is always the main thing for us. It was a different game for us. Of course, we were the best team on the pitch, we deserved the three points. We were really clinical in some moments. We reacted well in some moments when the game was unbalanced. I have to congratulate our players – even if we didn't play at our top level, we are capable of punishing our opponents."

Silva feels that Fulham's players have brought entirely into his attacking approach, which has delivered an incredible seventy goals in 26 games already this season.

"It's amazing, it's fantastic. It shows our desire, reflects our philosophy, our technical staff, myself as a manager, our club and our players. When you have an idea, you have to convince your players that this is the way to be successful. From the first day, they had an open mind and because of that we are doing very good things."

He handed out praise for Aleksandar Mitrovic and Harry Wilson, even though the pair were not on the scoresheet as Fulham ran riot.

"It is not a surprise for me. Two players that didn't score tonight: Mitro and Harry, it is possible they were the most important players in our front line. Mitro had a very good performance tonight, Harry Wilson the same. I'm really happy with the performance from Mitro – even if he didn't score, I know the goals will come. I'm really pleased to see the performance of Mitro, how he was involved in all the moments of the game."

Silva knows that a punishing schedule – forced on Fulham after three festive period postponements – means the Whites will face a test of both of their fitness and quality at Stoke City on Saturday.

"It will be tougher in the future because we are playing tonight and our next opponents have the whole week to rest. I felt sometimes tonight we weren't in our best physical condition. We have to do our best and prepare our players in the best way that we can."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/silva-salutes-fulhams-ruthlessness/

[WhiteJC]

Carvalho 'having fun' with Fulham

Fabio Carvalho enthused about the 'fun' he is having playing in Marco Silva's Fulham side after bagging a brace as the Whites thumped Birmingham City 6-2 tonight.

The teenage playmaker doesn't appear to be distracted by tabloid talk about his future as he followed up a fine individual goal against Bristol City on Saturday with two more against the Blues – the first a fine header and his second a trademark finish from the edge of the area just when Lee Bowyer's side had inched their way back into the contest. Carvalho told FFCTV after the final whistle that has been delighted with the way the team have responded to their enforced festive break:

"It's been a great start to the year. I feel like we're starting how we started the season – strong, with confidence. We've been playing with such great style, like going forward, getting goals as well as being tidy at the back. That's what the manager has been trying to drill into us and that's how we've been performing."

Carvalho highlighted the fact that he feels Fulham are able to shift through the gears and score goals when the opposition are making it hard for them – as evidenced in an eight-minute spell before half-time tonight.

"I feel we have it in us. When the game's not really going the way we want it to go – in terms of scoring goals – at any moment we can just turn it on and switch. That's a great attribute to have."

He was delighted to find the net with his head tonight from a fine Antonee Robinson cross.

"It was good. The cross was just perfect. I've been trying to work on my heading because it is not one of my greatest attributes. Today, I just went for it – and it went in the goal. Something I've been working on and it was my first header in a long time."

The young playmaker also felt his second goal was the culmination of hard work on the training ground – and he admitted he was relishing playing in such an attacking Fulham side.

"It's just something I've been trying to add to my game. Even when I drift out to the left, come inside and try and find that corner like I've been doing – so hopefully I've get more goals like that. It is fun. Getting involved, not just the goals but playmaking. I'm having fun. It's helping having a front four contributing, putting in a shift and it helps to have Mitro – he's scoring half our goals at the moment!"



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/carvalho-having-fun-with-fulham/