Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/01/22...

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Muniz makes his mark

No Aleksandar Mitrovic, no problem. Fulham's Serbian striker – the scorer of a truly sensational number of goals already this season – missed the trip to Stoke yesterday having contracted coronavirus. It would have been understandable for a few flickers of doubt to creep in when the team news filtered through, given how integral Mitrovic is to Marco Silva's gameplan. But the head coach has faith in his boy from Brazil and Muniz showed just how justified it was with a peerless performance yesterday.

There have been some strange things written about Muniz on various Fulham messageboards in recent weeks. The youngster has spent five months as Mitrovic's understudy, adapting not only to a new language, country and style of football but to the physical demands of the Championship. He scored a fine header against Reading, grabbed two more goals at Blackburn and has showed promised in a number of cameos off the bench. Some still suggest that he's well out of his depth and a waste of money. For me, that only encapsulates the fickleness of modern football fans.

Yesterday's excellent display was all the more impressive because it came against one of the man who had kept him quiet when he stepped in for Mitrovic at short notice earlier in the season. Phil Jagielka had marshalled Muniz pretty effectively at Craven Cottage for Derby before Christmas – even if the former Flamengo forward had come so close with a bicycle kick and had another effort cleared off the line. The veteran defender, who had moved to Stoke when his Pride Park contract was cancelled, had no answer to Muniz's movement and energy yesterday, however.

It was the 20 year-old who produced the immediate response to Stoke to taking a shock lead through their own young protégé, D'Margio Wright-Phillips, in the first minute. What a goal it was too. Muniz had plenty to do when Harrison Reed's cross from the right was fizzed into the box. Some impeccable chest control was followed by a terrific turn and shot into the top corner, the speed of the strike surprising Jack Bonham at his near post. Muniz sprinted straight to the dugout to share a celebratory hug with Ivan Cavaleiro – and he wasn't done, either.

There seems to be a friendly disagreement between Fabio Carvalho and Muniz, whose chemistry looked infectious in their post-match interview, over who got the telling touch for Fulham's second goal. Consulting the replays, there seems little doubt that the striker's flick diverts Carvalho's effort in via the far post – it might well have trickled wide without it. That's just the sort of predatory finishing Fulham needed in Mitrovic's absence. It would give him five Championship goals in 357 minutes – a goal every 71 minutes, a strike rate that Serbian would smile at. Not a bad start for a lad still getting to grips with the league.

Even with the language barrier, it is clear that Muniz is the life and soul of the Fulham dressing room. He's eager to make the most of what he describes as 'a dream move' to England, but humble enough to recognise that he will remain second choice to Mitrovic, a man who he says he is learning plenty from. The pair seem to have struck up a real bond, whilst Muniz is quickly becoming a cult hero with the Fulham fans. Strikers are measured by their goal return these days, and by doing it on a cold January afternoon at Stoke, Muniz both silenced the doubters and secured a vital victory to stretch Fulham's lead at the top of the Championship. Joga Bonito, indeed.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/muniz-makes-his-mark/

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Bournemouth make transfer approach for Peterborough man amid Celtic, Rangers and Fulham interest

Championship promotion chasers AFC Bournemouth have had multiple offers rejected for Peterborough United attacker Siriki Dembele, according to Football Insider.

The Cherries are looking to strengthen their squad for the remaining months of the season and have already been linked to towering strikers Kieffer Moore and Andy Carroll.

A diminutive forward also looks to be of interest though and Dembele is one player who is seemingly on Scott Parker's wanted list, with the 25-year-old being linked with Fulham last season when Parker was manager at Craven Cottage.

The Championship table-toppers remain interested this month, per Football Insider, as well as long-term admirers Rangers and Celtic, the latter of which have Dembele's younger brother Karamoko under contract.

But it is only Bournemouth who have made an official approach for the Ivory Coast-born individual, who is out of contract at the Abax Stadium at the end of the current campaign and has turned down a number of fresh new offers from Posh, having scored five times in the Championship this season.

The Verdict

It remains to be seen as to whether Bournemouth go in with a third offer for the dynamic winger, but Peterborough's resolve will surely be tested in the coming days.

They will obviously not want to lose Dembele as they are in a relegation battle, however it appears that there's no chance he will sign a new contract.

That means it may be wise to cash in now whilst they still can instead of losing him for free in the summer – he's a talented player but Darragh MacAnthony can make some profit still on his investment.

An auction could end up happening now that Bournemouth's interest has been made public though – that would suit Peterborough to the ground but they'd need time to bring in a replacement.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/bournemouth-make-transfer-approach-for-peterborough-man-amid-celtic-rangers-and-fulham-interest/

[WhiteJC]

The enduring class of Tom Cairney

Yesterday's win felt massive. Getting three points at Stoke is never easy, but beating them without two key players in a see-saw contest was some achievement. A run of four wins in succession opens up an eight-point gap at the Championship for Marco Silva's men, which is some response to a packed schedule. Success in Staffordshire was also notable for another reason: Tom Cairney completed his fourth start in a row. When you think of all the angst over the Fulham captain's injury absence, his return his a joy to watch. Silva acclaimed his display as his best of the season.

Plenty of people wondered whether Cairney, magisterial at times in this division, would ever reach the levels he attained before the destabilising knee injuries. There were rumours that he could only train once a week and that playing might be a step too far. Coming back from such a long spell on the sidelines takes plenty of character and Cairney himself admitted that he found watching Fulham get relegated as a helpless spectator really tough. We all saw the outpouring of emotion on the night he made his return after cracking in that lovely volley against Cardiff. He's kicked on from cameo appearances to become the fulcrum of Fulham's midfield once again.

Cairney's class was never in doubt, from the moment he burst on the scene as a youngster with an eye for goal at Hull to his dominant displays at Blackburn. It was baffling that Kit Symons deployed him as an inverted wide man on the right, but the midfielder began to flourish once Slavisa Jokanovic switched him into the number ten role. Cairney managed six goals and eight assists in a frustrating first season at Craven Cottage, but with the Serbian's surgery on his squad began the man who Fulham's fluid football flowed. He scored twelve goals, none more notable than the injury-time equaliser against Leeds, and added eleven assists as the Whites were cruelly beaten at Reading in a tight play-off semi-final.

His tears on the pitch at the Madjeski Stadium showed just how much it meant. There were fears that he might find Premier League football elsewhere, but Cairney committed his future to the club, saying how determined he was to lead Fulham back to the top flight. He grew in stature have handed the captaincy and, even as those knee problems began to disrupt his season,
matched the previous campaign's goal tally. After playing through the pain to take Fulham to Wembley, there was a storybook ending as he slotted Ryan Sessegnon's sublime through ball under Sam Johnstone to secure promotion on that magical day.

There have always been question marks about whether Cairney can do it in the top flight, but nobody emerged from the 2018/2019 with credit. Three managers followed a summer transfer splurge and a badly disjointed squad, with Cairney only finding a regular spot in the side once Scott Parker had picked up the pieces. He filled a new number eight role for Parker in the Championship, a deployment that denied the Whites the benefit of his unrivalled passing in the final third, and was harshly dropped after performing brilliantly against West Brom back in the top flight.

Cairney's knee problems were said to be career-ending and it would have been a sad way for a bona fide Fulham great to bow out. The man himself was having none of that and battled his way back into contention much earlier than anyone had expected. He deserved a genuinely tear-jerking moment in front of the Hammersmith End all of us own: the sweet volley showed he had lost none of his technique, but his progression back into a table-topping side has proved his durability. Cairney has not just added more goals to his game – he has four since his return – he is spraying those sublime passes around like he's never been gone.

It is wonderful to watch him playing football with a smile on his face once again. There were some sublime Cruyff turns that riled the Stoke supporters yesterday and the uptick in form since he has assumed his place in the Fulham midfield indicates he will be vital to yet another promotion push. Silva seems to have given his skipper a freer role to influence proceedings than his predecessor and Cairney is thriving in it. We feared Jean Michael Seri's absence at the Africa Cup of Nations, but with the Ivorian in Cameroon, the Reed-Cairney axis has really prospered.

I'm sure Cairney will consider the Premier League as unfinished business. His ability to keep the ball and unlock defences could be vital in a division where Fulham have been too easily brushed aside in the past. But the 31 year-old has been around long enough to know not to take anything for granted. He'll want to make sure Fulham don't flitter away their advantage at the top of the table. It really is fantastic to have him back pulling the strings from the middle of the park – let's hope we can see him lifting the Championship trophy come May. That would be a fitting reward after ten months of agony for Fulham's master craftsman.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/the-enduring-class-of-tom-cairney/

[WhiteJC]

Tete suffers groin strain

Kenny Tete could be out for a while after injuring his groin during Fulham's 3-2 win at Stoke City yesterday.

The Dutch defender was forced off following a collision with goalkeeper Jack Bonham when he came close to scoring early in the second half. Tete was replaced by Denis Odoi and Fulham head coach Marco Silva told his post-match press conference at the Bet 365 Stadium:

"Let's see how long it will be, at the moment it doesn't look an easy thing."

Silva had previously ruled out bringing in a right back during this transfer window but Fulham could revisit moves for the likes of Reggie Cannon, who almost joined the Whites in the summer, or Jonjoe Kenny before the end of January.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/tete-suffers-groin-strain/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva provides early injury update on Fulham man Kenny Tete

Fulham manager Marco Silva has said full-back Kenny Tete has suffered a groin injury after he was forced off in Saturday's win over Stoke City.

It was a successful day at the office for Fulham, who made it four wins in a row with a 3-2 victory over Stoke City.

Goals from Rodrigo Muniz, Fabio Carvalho and Bobby De Cordova-Reid were enough to secure all three points in a pulsating tie, but one blow was the injury to Tete. The Dutchman was forced off after 51 minutes, making way for Denis Odoi.

Now, an early update has emerged on Tete's injury.

As quoted by The Athletic reporter Peter Rutzler, Cottagers boss Silva revealed the 26-year-old has suffered a groin injury, stating that is "doesn't look like an easy thing".

Another blow...

Tete has already dealt with injury issues this season, so it will be hoped that his groin injury isn't too severe and he can return to action sooner rather than later.

The former Lyon and Ajax man spent a spell out earlier in the campaign, missing eight Championship games due to a thigh problem.

Silva's options at right-back

If Tete is set for a spell on the sidelines, you'd have to think the earlier mentioned Odoi will be the go-to man on the right-hand side of defence.

Youngster Steven Sessegnon is another option but he hasn't made a senior appearance so far this season. Cyrus Christie's loan departure means Silva is down on another option at right-back too, with the former Derby County man linking up with Swansea City until the end of the season.



https://the72.co.uk/260616/marco-silva-provides-early-injury-update-on-fulham-man-kenny-tete/

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Fulham set to be defeated in transfer battle by London rivals for 109-cap international

Fulham's pursuit of Denmark international Christian Eriksen is set to be unsuccessful, with the ex-Tottenham Hotspur midfielder set to sign for Premier League side Brentford, according to Sky Sports.

Eriksen, who hasn't played since the horrific moment during the European Championships during the summer when he suffered a cardiac arrest, was released from his contract with Inter Milan as he was unable to play with the implanted cardioverter defibrillator he has fitted.

He is able to ply his trade in England though once again and with Bees manager Thomas Frank knowing Eriksen well from coaching Denmark's youth teams, he has been able to use his influence to convince the 29-year-old to signing for the Premier League newcomers.

As exclusively revealed by Football League World last week, Fulham were eyeing up an ambitious move for the 109-cap international to add to Marco Silva's options in the final third for the rest of the season, with 90min claiming that talks did indeed take place between the player and club.

Eriksen though has opted for the red and white part of West London and a return to the top flight of English football for at least the remainder of the 2021-22 season.

The Verdict

It always looked like an audacious move to try and get Eriksen to Craven Cottage and it's proven to be the case.

There was a small hope that because of how well they've been playing and the fact they're in pole position for a Premier League promotion that Fulham could end up winning the race, especially considering they have players like Aleksandar Mitrovic and Harry Wilson at the club.

But the Premier League is always going to have that pull for Eriksen and with the Danish links to the club as well it seems like a no-brainer.

Providing he can prove his fitness, Eriksen can go in there and be the big fish and potentially make a difference – Fulham will be gutted that they haven't got their hands on him but it was always going to be a struggle to make it happen.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-set-to-be-defeated-in-transfer-battle-by-london-rivals-for-109-cap-international/

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Cyrus Christie | This result gives us the chance to build momentum

Cyrus Christie wants Swansea City to channel the confidence of a victory and clean sheet into a good run of form after the loan signing produced another impressive performance in the 1-0 win over Preston.

The 29-year-old, who has joined from Fulham until the end of the season, built on his display at Huddersfield and came agonisingly close to opening his goalscoring account for the Swans with two second-half efforts.

He also more than played his part defensively as the Swans shut out North End to mark the return of fans to the Swansea.com Stadium in fine style.

Now, with challenging trips to Queens Park Rangers and Hull on the horizon, the Republic of Ireland international hopes Russell Martin's side can kick on from two big team efforts against Huddersfield and Preston.

"We're happy with that, it's always great when you win and a bonus when you get a clean sheet," he said.

"I felt we deserved it, especially after the Huddersfield game where we should have taken all three points.

"I felt we thoroughly deserved this win and the clean sheet, I felt we defended well and we really limited the number of chances they had.

"We defended with our lives, they had one shot on target and we can now look forward to Tuesday.

"We have a lot of games in hand, and if we can win those games the table will look very different.

"Each game is a chance to get more confidence and once it clicks together we are going to be a very good team.

"The fans were right behind us, they can see what we are trying to do. The boys are comfortable in how we play and we are showing what we can do.

"When it clicks we know we are hard to play against, you talk to other teams and they will tell you it's not easy and it's hard to know what to do.

"We are showing it, I felt we could have won by more but I think that day and that game is coming."

It's been a whirlwind 10 days for Christie, who is vastly experienced at Championship level, as he and his family have moved while he has trained and played, but he has enjoyed the early stages of his time in SA1.

"I have settled well, it's been really easy to settle with the way the lads have been and the way the manager has been," he added.

"I am just happy to be here, happy to be playing, I have been made to feel welcome and I am buzzing.

"I love it here, my family love it here so we are comfortable and it's great to be playing again."



https://www.swanseacity.com/news/cyrus-christie-result-gives-us-chance-build-momentum

[WhiteJC]

West Ham transfer news: Irons keen on 'very good young player' with 10 G/A this season

Transfer insider Dean Jones reckons that Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho would be a good fit for West Ham.

The 19-year-old has been one of the standout players in the Championship this season and has been attracting interest from the Premier League.

What's the latest news involving Carvalho?

Not only has the teenager been one of the top players in the second-tier in 2021-2022, but his contract at Craven Cottage runs out next season. Therefore, clubs will not only be seeking a chance to sign a potential top player in the future, but they could get him on the cheap.

According to TEAMtalk, David Moyes is interested in bringing Carvalho, who's unlikely to sign a new deal at Fulham, to the London Stadium.

Moyes has a history of signing players from the EFL, with Craig Dawson, Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen all brought in from Championship clubs in recent years. Furthermore, each of those played a bit part in the Hammers qualifying for Europe last season, with Bowen continuing his fine form this term.

Therefore, Jones reckons that West Ham would be an ideal move for Carvalho, who's scored eight  goals and laid on two assists in only 13 league starts this season for Fulham.

What did Jones say about Carvalho?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Well have to see how that one plays out, but he's a very good young player and I'm sure a club like West Ham would suit him."

Is anyone else interested in Carvalho?

Given his age and potential, it doesn't come as a huge surprise that West Ham don't have a free run at his signature.

Southampton have been heavily linked with the Fulham attacker in recent months, while Tottenham and Liverpool are also in the race.

There's no reason that the Hammers can't beat off competition from some of their Premier League rivals, but the sheer number of sides keen on signing Carvalho highlight exactly how highly thought of the youngster is.

Given his form for Fulham of late with a hatful of goals in their incredible recent run, it would be quite some coup if Moyes can pull it off.



https://www.givemesport.com/1826194-west-ham-transfer-news-irons-keen-on-very-good-young-player-with-10-ga-this-season

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Positives and negatives: Stoke City 2-3 Fulham
It was closer than we would've liked, however these are the type of performances that crown champions. There's a long way to go yet, though, and Cam has all the juicy bits from Saturday's dramatic victory covered.

This is the victory of the season. A game that comprised multiple twists and turns, Marco Silva's Fulham came from behind, went ahead and were pegged back before they secured the victory in emphatic style, and in seasons gone by, the Whites would've settled for a point indefinitely. Michael O'Neill's Stoke City were organised, a contingent that would scrap until the death so for the Whites, at a ground which has never been overly forgiving, this result is a tremendous indicator of our table-topping credentials.

Numbers, we love 'em. 22 goals in 4 games, a goal difference of +48 with 73 goals scored, 4 consecutive dubs, Fulham are now 8 points clear at the summit and flying, as those around us plummet to new lows. The brand of football on show is mesmeric, the togetherness within the camp is contagious, and with two undisputed first-team favourites out of contention, those that were fielded proved that we are blessed with strength, depth and a collaborative purpose. This team of ours, as we know already, is special.

Positives
Rodrigo Muniz
Playing football for Fulham, even as Aleksandar Mitrovic's understudy, is bundles of fun and Rodrigo Muniz, beaming and delighted to pull on the famous jersey whenever he's required, is a credit to the club. Mitro didn't travel to the Bet365 Stadium, so the young Brazilian was entrusted to begin proceedings at the tip of the spearhead and he certainly didn't disappoint. Striving to emulate the Championship's runaway top scorer, Muniz intensified our press, he thrived in physical altercations and in front of the target, the 20-year-old's predatory instincts came to life. The Whites responded immediately after going behind in the first minute of play, and it was Muniz who emphatically fired our response.

Shadowed by two defenders, Rodrigo tamed possession just within the penalty area with his back to goal. In one synchronised dip of the shoulder, eyes locked on the ball, conscious of his surroundings, he swivelled and blasted into the top right-hand corner. Throughout, the aspiring punisher hassled Stoke's rearguard, he frequently dropped into advantageous vantage points, and as our second grazed off his heel, a brace is the resounding reward for his enterprising input. He also cracked the crossbar from the corner that brought the winner, so for all of our pivotal moments, the willing striker took centre stage and it's clear that he's built for the rigours of the English game. Encouraged by the generous reception he received from Fulham's following, Muniz refused to relent as all he wants to do is make everyone affiliated with the club proud and pleased, and we've no reservations where his respective outing's concerned. Fired-up, absorbed in the occasion, Muniz enforced his duties superbly, and when players take to the turf with infectious smiles, buoyed by their inclusion, their game skyrockets.

Reed is restless
Patrolling within a stupidly competitive midfield third, Harrison Reed examined every single inch to defuse and ignite, enhancing Fulham's control with a diligence that never dissipates. An expert in endorsing the basics of his trade, Reed anticipated trouble as the Potters advanced and he safeguarded vulnerable central areas attentively, biting back to relieve the hosts of possession. A sensible distributor, the 26-year-old complimented the Whites' passing phases, he moderated the game's cadence and he was rarely outmuscled. Reed turned possession over during the build-up to Rodrigo's first, he perfects simplicity, however the complexity within Harrison's role is far from rudimentary.

With an immovable persistence, urged by the magnitude of the encounter, our special one Iniesta triggered a retaliation, he initiated a reprisal, and he instigated a resurgent collective effort that eventually won Fulham three excruciatingly hard-fought points on the road. His focus is unflinching, our restless anchor isn't satisfied until he's restored order and in the searing heat of the moment, under the weight of conflict, Reed remained cool, calm and collected, extinguishing Stoke's impetus with a significantly invaluable commitment, a steady endurance that the hosts couldn't echo, or withstand.

Fabio Carvalho
Driven, direct, carrying possession into the final third productively, Fabio Carvalho was a leading protagonist in Fulham's stubborn performance and while our second of the afternoon may not strictly belong to the exhilarating teenager, praise and acclaim is the very least he's deserved of. Compilation videos are beginning to surface, the planet is closely admiring his dizzying ability to influence affairs and in Stoke, vibrantly animated, the 19-year-old stimulated the senses and generated additional intrigue. Combining with Tom Cairney, who was also sublime, as per, Fabio exuded a quality that – even at his tender age – was superlative.

Carvalho's a gifted technician, his compelling dexterity enlivens Fulham's offensive patterns however defensively, as the Whites fell back in retreat, the enticing attacker exercised a tenacity that unsettled Stoke's attempts to attain command. Hunting, ambushing the hosts and springing traps, Fabio's investment was grippingly coherent, he gained ground convincingly on the break and preserved territory defensively, and as we're all still anxious to acknowledge where his immediate future resides, we have to appreciate his bourgeoning brilliance because no matter of where and when, the starlet's a key component of Silva's system until further notice.

Bobby Decordova-Reid
Assigned along the right to deputise in Harry Wilson's absence, Bobby Decordova-Reid's impression upon the starting XI couldn't have been more profound. Secondary to Wilson, BDR's relevance this season hasn't been constant, we haven't been so reliant on his interchangeable adaptability, however although he isn't necessarily perceived to be a nailed-on starter, the Whites can readily depend on the Jamaica international, as and when his exclusive offensive faculties are in demand.

Energised along the chalky parameters, Decordova-Reid darted into profitable positions and while his final product wasn't consistently favourable, he devised Fulham's second with an intelligent pull back that allowed Carvalho to strike. A tried and tested wingback, the 28-year-old's vitality at both ends of the park is beneficial, and as Josh Tymon ventured in possession, BDR stalked. Bobby isn't particularly goal-shy, but his tally this season suggests otherwise. Before Saturday, he'd only found the back of the net twice, and as he hadn't bagged since mid-October, the drought was begging to be relinquished. Striding onto a loose ball, 18-or-so yards out, his third conversion of the campaign was recorded, a ferocious first-time howitzer that jetted into the roof of the net. Dry spell renounced, 3 points secured, BDR back in the headlines for all the right reasons.

Knockaert understood assignment
A bona fide trickster, a legitimate master of shithousing, Anthony Knockaert haunts Silva's selection process like the spectre of Scott Parker's past, and in the closing minutes, stripped and ready to bring urine to the boil, sabotage was top of the forgotten Frenchman's agenda. Knockaert is a trier, admittedly, he's probably one of the hardest grafters in the team and at 3-2 up, clinging onto the spoils, he understood the assignment and accomplished his responsibilities marvellously.

Antagonising Stoke, goading them into needless entanglements, Anthony administered the dark art of time wasting to prolong the hosts' anguish as they chased a late leveller. He robbed possession from under their noses and headed for the corner flags, a Crash Bandicoot excursion adorned with redundant step-overs. Teams need men like Knockaert, a figure of intransigent mockery and, in the name of conservation, the 30-year-old acted accordingly to irritate the Potters and the seconds passed us by. Never change, Knockers.

Negatives
Return of the Jedi
Back in the box, equilibrium restored, Antonee Robinson, following a brow-raising outing against Birmingham City, stayed true to his usual self in Staffordshire with spooned passes, hideous first touches and illicit positioning that was ensnared by Stoke's press. All I ask for is one average, ordinary afternoon from the American, just so I can have a week off from slating him and all that he does. It's becoming tiresome.

I completely agree that there's a decent left-back within Jedi, somewhere, however in the Potters' company, the trembly fullback was identified as a weak link, a dodgy element, and as we winced in unison at the sight of his poorly managed custody of possession, his rightful place in the negative section, a constant of these pieces, was reinstated.

Kenny's smashed taters
I really hope Kenny Tete's taters are okay. Without dwelling on this too much, because it's making the pit of my stomach curdle, Tete was subbed off in the 51st minutes after his knackers were maltreated and as he sidled off, clutching jewels, all was definitely not well.

It shouldn't keep him out, the pain does eventually subside, however before his impromptu exit, the Dutchman's exploits were teetering on the substandard side of adequate, so a change of personnel where he's concerned was potentially required anyway. Nevertheless, rest up, Kenny, and don't forget the bag of frozen petit pois, either.

Conceding, a concerning byproduct
Of course, we're netting goals as though they were going out of fashion, although I'm really not at ease with the amount we're shipping at the moment, particularly against the run of play. Stoke's first goal, diverted by D'Margio Wright-Phillips, was a classic case of being caught flat-footed. It was preventable, however it can be excused somewhat as it stunned us into action. Their second, another long-range firecracker, was certainly detectable, we didn't close Lewis Baker down, at all, and he detonated.

Marek Rodak could have done better, it's not like the ball carved its way through a forest of bodies, however it's a combined defect of ours, a concerning byproduct of an all-out attacking strategy, and it has to be ironed out. That's 6 goals conceded in 3 games, and it's alarming because we're flirting with the possibility of being a few goals down against a side that will sit on a slender lead, obstinately. There are plenty of teams in the Championship that are equipped to resist an onslaught, so if we're going to gift soft goals, we have to ensure that our strikers are firing and that, invariably, is not going to happen every so often. Our defensive faults are far from detrimental, but they could land us in deep, hot water if we continue to leave the door ajar.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2022-01-23-positives-and-negatives-stoke-city-2-3-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Decordova-Reid named in Jamaica squad

Bobby Decordova-Reid has been named in the Jamaica squad for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.

The 28 year-old's call up means he will miss Fulham's fixture against Blackpool at Craven Cottage next week. Decordova-Reid, who has scored three times in 27 appearances for Marco Silva's side, drove home a wonderful winner at Stoke City yesterday as the Whites extended their lead at the top of the Championship to eight points.


https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/decordova-reid-named-in-jamaica-squad/

[WhiteJC]

Decordova-Reid's delight after 'massive' win

Bobby Decordova-Reid was delighted with what he described as a 'massive' win after scoring Fulham's winner at Stoke City yesterday.

Marco Silva's side extended their advantage at the top of the Championship to eight points after coming out on top in a five-goal thriller at the Bet365 Stadium. Decordova-Reid lashed in the decisive goal from the edge of the area and was in no doubt about the significance of the victory. He told FFCTV after the final whistle:

"It's a massive win. It was a tough game. They were a good side and we had to dig deep. We went behind early but we showed great character to come back and win the game. It's not always going to be roses, we've not going win 7-0. There's time where we have to really show character. We did that today. It was a real team performance."

Decordova-Reid played down the quality of his rising drive that secured all three points, but it was a sensational strike.

"I don't why, I just knew it was dropping there. I just said, I'm getting inside [the penalty area], I'm gambling. Keep it low and thankfully for me it went in the top corner."

The Jamaica international, who will miss next Saturday's meeting with Blackpool as he represents his country in a crucial round of World Cup qualifiers, was happy to make the most of a rare start in the absence of Harry Wilson.

"The team has been doing well, with big scorelines and the wins. You've got to be ready to take your chance when you come in. I think the lads that did play and even the subs that came on did well. We've got a squad of 26, we've all got to be ready to come on when needed."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/01/decordova-reids-delight-after-massive-win/

[WhiteJC]

Report outlines big boost for West Ham in race to sign 'incredible' whizz-kid Fabio Carvalho in January

West Ham have received a boost in the race to sign Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho in the January transfer window.

That's according to the Daily Mail who claim that a move to the Premier League could be too tempting to turn down for the 19-year-old this month.

Hammers boss David Moyes wants to bring Carvalho to the London Stadium either this month or during the summer window on a free transfer according to the likes of The Sun, The Daily Mail and club insiders Claret and Hugh.

Moyes will be a busy man over the course of the next week or so. He desperately needs to sign a proven goalscorer and an established, left-footed centre-back.

However, the West Ham manager is always on the look-out for the very best young players in world football as well.

Carvalho is someone who Moyes would undoubtedly love to bring to East London. Whilst a move to sign him on a free transfer in the summer seems more likely, the Hammers may well be able to pick him up for a nominal fee this month...

West Ham receive boost to hopes of signing Carvalho in January
The Daily Mail reckon that the talented teenager would find it hard to turn down a move from Fulham to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

Sure, Moyes should be prioritising moves to sign a striker and a centre-back, but the opportunity to snap up Carvalho for a bargain fee is one that shouldn't be turned down.

And what an incredible signing the 19-year-old would be for West Ham. Football League World describe the 19-year-old as an incredible talent.

Carvalho has racked up 33 goals and 19 assists in 82 games for Fulham's youth teams (Transfermarkt).

He has made a huge impression for the senior team at Craven Cottage as well with eight goals and two assists in 17 Championship games this season (Transfermarkt).

he young attacker is most comfortable when playing on the number 10 position but he can also operate on either wing.

He is incredibly gifted from a technical perspective and has all of the attributes needed to make it at the very highest level.

The Sun recently reported that the Hammers are ready to 'pounce' for the Fulham starlet with a potential £5 million bid being mooted.

And with Carvalho allegedly keen on a move to the Premier League in the January window, everything seems to be falling into place.

Now, the problem is that Liverpool and Leeds wants to sign Carvalho as well (the Daily Mai). So West Ham had better act fast if we do actually want to bring him to the London Stadium this month.



https://www.hammers.news/transfer-news/report-outlines-big-boost-for-west-ham-in-race-to-sign-incredible-whizz-kid-fabio-carvalho-in-january/

[WhiteJC]

eeds United and West Ham among clubs monitoring Fulham's Fabio Cavalho

Leeds United, West Ham and Liverpool are 'among the clubs' keeping tabs on Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho, report Mail Online.

Carvalho, 19, has been linked with a host of Premier League and European clubs throughout this season.

The Portuguese-born midfielder, who represents England at youth international level, has scored four goals in his last three outings for Fulham, taking his tally to eight in 17 Championship outings this season.

He remains out of contract at the end of the season having rejected the offer of a new deal earlier on in the campaign.

Now though, in a fresh report from Mail Online all of Leeds United, West Ham and Liverpool are monitoring the Englishman.

A difficult position...

Fulham find themselves in a really difficult position. They have a newfound hero in Carvalho who has captured the hearts of Fulham fans this season, but they risk losing him for free in the summer.

Marco Silva's side are obviously desperate to tie him down to a new deal but it's down to the player – Carvalho looks as though he's had his head turned by all the interest shown in him this season, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid having been linked as well as teams like Chelsea too.

A move to the Premier League could prove an attractive option for the attacking midfielder this month, and if Fulham believe Carvalho won't eventually sign a new deal then they could yet be tempted to cash in on him in the final week of this transfer window.

They certainly have enough firepower to see themselves to promotion from the Championship this season. But selling Carvalho before he really fulfils his potential at the club would be a real blow for Fulham.



https://the72.co.uk/260638/leeds-united-and-west-ham-among-clubs-monitoring-fulhams-fabio-cavalho/

[Bassey the warrior]

Bournemouth make transfer approach for Peterborough man amid Celtic, Rangers and Fulham interest

Championship promotion chasers AFC Bournemouth have had multiple offers rejected for Peterborough United attacker Siriki Dembele, according to Football Insider.

The Cherries are looking to strengthen their squad for the remaining months of the season and have already been linked to towering strikers Kieffer Moore and Andy Carroll.

A diminutive forward also looks to be of interest though and Dembele is one player who is seemingly on Scott Parker's wanted list, with the 25-year-old being linked with Fulham last season when Parker was manager at Craven Cottage.

The Championship table-toppers remain interested this month, per Football Insider, as well as long-term admirers Rangers and Celtic, the latter of which have Dembele's younger brother Karamoko under contract.

But it is only Bournemouth who have made an official approach for the Ivory Coast-born individual, who is out of contract at the Abax Stadium at the end of the current campaign and has turned down a number of fresh new offers from Posh, having scored five times in the Championship this season.

The Verdict

It remains to be seen as to whether Bournemouth go in with a third offer for the dynamic winger, but Peterborough's resolve will surely be tested in the coming days.

They will obviously not want to lose Dembele as they are in a relegation battle, however it appears that there's no chance he will sign a new contract.

That means it may be wise to cash in now whilst they still can instead of losing him for free in the summer – he's a talented player but Darragh MacAnthony can make some profit still on his investment.

An auction could end up happening now that Bournemouth's interest has been made public though – that would suit Peterborough to the ground but they'd need time to bring in a replacement.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/bournemouth-make-transfer-approach-for-peterborough-man-amid-celtic-rangers-and-fulham-interest/

From what I've seen we should be all over this, another Kebano-type who is very capable of taking on and beating players. Neither Cavaleiro nor Knockaert can do this. Shift out Knocky and bring in Dembele.