Thursday Fulham Stuff - 10/03/22...

[WhiteJC]

Swansea City 1-5 Fulham – Naive Swans torn apart

Swansea City were taught a lesson at home on Tuesday night as they were thrashed by a rampant second half Fulham display following Ryan Manning's sending off.

The Swans were always going to be up against it after Manning's first half dismissal but their naive play and overall defending handed the initiative to the league leaders who seized their chance.

Aleksandar Mitrovic – of course – netted one, Wales' Neco Williams scored twice and Bobby Decordova-Reid supplemented the scoring after Ben Cabango's close range own goal.

It was a torrid lesson of the difference in levels in this division and, whilst the first half was a far more even affair, Manning's needless red card was always likely to lead to an away win.

With Cyrus Christie unable to play against his parent club and Hannes Wolf recovering from COVID, the full back positions were of concern prior to kick off and it looked like for much of the first half the Swans went to 4 at the back.

Fisher

Smith – Naughton – Cabango – Manning

Downes – Grimes

Ntcham – Piroe – Paterson

Obafemi

Whilst Russell Martin stated in his post match press conference that the opening fifteen minutes were the best start he had seen from his team, it heralded little in the way of opportunities.

In truth despite the Swans controlling possession and limiting Fulham to little in the way of chances, only Michael Obafemi's turn and long range shot was anything close to an opportunity on goal.

Mitrovic's looped header was enough to have home fans worried but his effort bounced safely over the goal and Fisher. The away side also thought they should have had a penalty when Ryan Manning tangled with Harry Wilson to no avail.

It was Wilson who would be involved in the turning point of the game when the Swans characteristically lost possession in midfield by overplaying and avoiding the shot when the Welsh midfielder charged away with the ball.

Manning decided rather recklessly to challenge inside the Fulham half to prevent the counter attack but mistimed it and went studs in on Wilson. The referee's long whistle, and Wilson's sock, confirmed what fans were fearing and the Swans defender saw red for the second time this campaign.

He will now sit out the next four games including the crucial Cardiff City game in April to make it a doubly worse night for Russell Martin.

As half time arrived the security team were on the pitch to escort the referees off after a rather angry reaction from all corners of the ground to the red card. A debatable one in some eyes but no doubt a challenge where we'd all be screaming for a dismissal had the tables been turned.

Wilson was to be the villain of the show as fans vociferously booed his every touch but it was his assist that set up the prolific Mitrovic for the opener.

Only the players will know what Martin said in the dressing room at half time but no sooner had the substitutes arrived (Bennett and Fulton for Ntcham and Downes) and the match had kicked off, we were a goal down.

Fisher delivered a poor pass to Matt Grimes 20 yards from goal which was quickly seized upon by Seri who quickly passed out to the right where Wilson was waiting and his perfect ball into the middle was met by Mitrovic to slam home for the opener.

Less than thirty seconds of the second period it took for Fulham to take advantage and minutes later it was two as another carbon copy ball from the right wing was met by Cabango under pressure from the Championship star Mitrovic (still not quite good enough for the Premier League though) and Fisher was beaten at his near post.

Many had seen the damage that Fulham can do to teams like Blackburn (7-0) and many others after them and were fearing the worst. Evenmoreso when substitute Bobby Reid looped in a cross despite defenders on the line for three. He'd only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes. And the assist came from the right wing, again.

Strikingly that was the first Fulham goal against us that wasn't scored by Mitrovic since 2013. I haven't the inclination to count how many times we've played each other in that time but there's been a decent number.

Embarrassingly the game was over as a contest and despite Swansea showing some willing down their own right side, winning a corner and moments later Jannie Paterson's delightful deep cross was deftly nodded in by Joel Piroe for his 16th of the season.

Comeback on? Not really, Neco Williams made sure there was no threat to their pursuit of the points as he buried two efforts in the last 15 minutes to make it an easy and comfortable win.

It's never nice losing at home but to do so in this manner and concede five in the second half says that deep in our team there's a brittleness that needs curing.

We are desperately short at wing back and the fact that the majority of chances and goals came from our left (where Manning might have been) says also that the dismissal had a pivotal impact on the game.

We can't discount the performance second half, it felt like we were an FA Cup team down to ten men holding on for dear life. Except this was Fulham of the Championship, not Premier League top four contenders.

Perhaps it's me but whenever Swansea play against ten men in recent times, there's a real struggle to score because teams dig in and fight. Tonight the fight disappeared second half and there's yet more work to do for Martin and his team.

The match ended with a chorus of Fulham fans (they came in a taxi) jubilantly shouting that they are going to win the league. They're probably right too although our naivety gave them a much easier contest than it should have been...



https://planetswans.co.uk/2022/03/09/swansea-city-1-5-fulham-naive-swans-torn-apart/

[WhiteJC]

You cant blame the referee for the second half – Martin on Fulham loss

Russell Martin was a frustrated man as he looked back on what he believes was a classic game of "two halves" last night and he reflected on a first half that he felt the Swans controlled before a red card turned the game.

But whilst the Swans boss said that the decision to send Ryan Manning was, in his belief, the wrong one he refused to be drawn on blaming the referee for the poor way that his side started the second half.

The Swans were one down within thirty seconds of the restart thanks to a sloppy pass from keeper Andy Fisher whilst the game was effectively over less than 10 minutes later when the generosity of the Swans defence saw Fulham clear and it was the unfortunate Ben Cabango who deflected the ball into the back of the net.

The game from that point forwards was only heading one way and the eventual 5-1 scoreline was a fairly accurate reflection of the second half performance where the Swans were simply not at the races despite a well worked Joel Piroe goal.

"The red card is the most important factor of the night. It has totally changed the game," said Martin after the game.

"For the 40 minutes up until then we were fantastic, we had control and some of the stuff we played with the ball was incredible.

"The first 15 minutes was probably as well as we have started all season, so I am disappointed for the players and fans that such a good start, such a good atmosphere has been undone by a very poor decision.

"I know it's an emotional game and the officials have a tough job, there is no doubt about it, but I could not believe how quickly he got the red card out.

"But, by the same token, the referee is not to blame for the start of the second half. That was really poor.

"We followed that up by conceding another goal shortly after, and that is down to game management and we have to get better at that, but the game is done after that against a team who have been scoring for fun against 11 men, let alone 10."



https://planetswans.co.uk/2022/03/09/you-cant-blame-the-referee-for-the-second-half-martin-on-fulham-loss/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva claims red card for Irish international Manning was justified
The sending off turned the clash between Swansea and Fulham in the favour of the Championship leaders.

MARCO SILVA INSISTED Harry Wilson's injuries justified the red card shown to Swansea's Ryan Manning which turned their game in Fulham's favour.

With the game finely poised at 0-0 at the time, the runaway Championship leaders were able to score five second-half goals to extend their lead at the top to 14 points.

Fulham boss Marco Silva at first agreed with opposite number Russell Martin that the Irish international's challenge on Harry Wilson was worth no more than a yellow card – but changed his mind after seeing the marks on his player's leg.

"In that moment, if you ask me, if I thought it was a red card, I have to say no. After seeing Harry Wilson's leg, I started to think in a different way," said Silva.

"If you saw the leg of Harry Wilson, maybe you would think in a different way also.

"I didn't see the broadcast image. In the first moment I thought it would be yellow. Maybe it's not a red card but 15 minutes earlier it's a clear penalty. He (Gillett) made a mistake there as well, but it's all part of the game."

Even though his side scored five second-half goals from Aleksander Mitrovic – his 35th of the season – an own goal from Ben Cabango, Bobby Decordova-Reid and two from Neco Williams, Silva was not totally happy with his side's showing.

"It definitely wasn't our best performance, even the second half wasn't our best. It is really tough in this competition with two games in three days," added Silva.

"We scored some nice goals, which is good to see, and it is a really important three points after a fantastic win on Saturday. We did our job well, which is the main thing."

Martin said he would appeal against the sending-off of Manning, who is facing a four-match ban for his second red of the campaign.

Martin felt the referee made a mistake and that the decision ruined the game as a spectacle.

"It wasn't two-footed and it's not a lunge. He was on the stretch, but it is really difficult when players are running at full speed. It is not clear enough for me," said Martin.

"We will appeal because he will get four games because he has been sent off before. I'm just really disappointed that such a good game of football was ruined.

"Our game management, especially in the first 10 minutes of the second half, totally killed us and we have to learn from that.

"They are a brilliant group of young men and they gave us everything tonight, unfortunately we were playing with 10 men against a very good team who are going up to the Premier League."



https://www.the42.ie/marco-silva-ryan-manning-red-card-5705365-Mar2022/

[WhiteJC]

Swans to appeal Manning's Fulham red

Swansea City will be appealing the red card shown to Ryan Manning in last night's 5-1 home defeat to Fulham – a card that will see him sit out the next four games as a result of the suspension.

Both managers were in agreement after the game that they did not think it was a red card for the Swansea defender who mis-timed his challenge on Wales midfielder Harry Wilson and was immediately shown the red card with – as Russell Martin pointed out – little thought from the referee.

"We will appeal, he will get four games anyway because he has been sent off before, so we might as well," said Martin after the game.

"After watching it back numerous times, in my opinion it was a poor decision.

"I couldn't believe how quickly he got the red card out and I think everyone was really surprised."

Fulham head coach Marco Silva said: "If you ask me if I thought it was a red card at the time, I have to say no.

"After seeing Harry Wilson's leg, I started to think in a different way. If you saw the leg of Harry Wilson, maybe you would think in a different way also.

"I didn't see the broadcast image. In the first moment, I thought it would be yellow but when I saw Harry's leg I started to think in a different way.

"Maybe it's not a red card but 15 minutes earlier it's a clear penalty. He made a mistake there as well. It's part of the game."



https://planetswans.co.uk/2022/03/09/swans-to-appeal-mannings-fulham-red/

[WhiteJC]

Williams 'buzzing' ahead of World Cup play-off

Neco Williams admits he is 'buzzing' at the prospect of playing in Wales' World Cup play-off semi final against Austria later this month.

The Fulham full back, currently on loan for Liverpool, is hoping to help Robert Page's side reach a second successive major finals and is delighted that the fixture will take place as scheduled after FIFA accepted that Scotland's game with Ukraine would be postponed.

Williams told BBC Wales:

"We're all looking forward to that game. The lads are buzzing that it's still on. We're all looking forward to that game; all looking forward to both games because we've got a very good chance of qualifying.

Obviously with the circumstances that have gone on with the Ukraine and Scotland game, there's nothing that anyone can do and we've just got to keep that on hold and try and get the Austria game out of the way first. And hopefully if we win that, then we've got a massive game to look forward to whenever it's going to get played, whether it's in June or whenever it is."

Williams, who scored his first senior club goals in last night's 5-1 win over Swansea City, believes playing regular football at Craven Cottage can only help his international ambitions. He revealed that Page sent him a message shortly after he moved to Fulham.

"When I signed for Fulham, he gave me a message and said he he's happy for me I was going to get the game time. The main thing when I came to Fulham was to get the game time, to try and play week in, week out and as many minutes as possible.

At the minute I'm just loving it because I'm playing – any footballer just wants to play football. That's the main thing and I'm enjoying it so much. I'm looking forward to joining up with the [Wales] lads again, seeing them and playing for them again. Austria's the big game now, that's the one to look forward to for Wales and we just need to get that out of the way and hopefully win that."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/williams-buzzing-ahead-of-world-cup-play-off/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's Marco Silva in agreement with Swansea City boss Russell Martin over referee as Flynn Downes update issued

The Swans have another injury concern ahead of the game at Blackpool

Marco Silva admits he felt Fulham were denied a clear penalty against Swansea City shortly before Ryan Manning was sent off.

The Swans impressed for the majority of the opening half of the contest against the Championship leaders but conceded five second-half goals following Manning's dismissal in the 42nd minute.

The Irishman was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Harry Wilson - a foul both Silva and Russell Martin felt warranted just a booking on first viewing.

However, like Martin, Silva was unimpressed with referee Jarred Gillett after stating his side should have been awarded a spot-kick when Fabio Carvalho went down under a challenge from Kyle Naughton in the Swansea box.

"If you ask me if I thought it was a red card at the time, I have to say no. After seeing Harry Wilson's leg, I started to think in a different way," said Silva on the red card issued to Manning.

"If you saw the leg of Harry Wilson, maybe you would think in a different way also.

"I didn't see the broadcast image. In the first moment I thought it would be yellow but when I saw Harry's leg I started to think in a different way.

"Maybe it's not a red card but 15 minutes earlier it's a clear penalty. He made a mistake there as well. It's part of the game."

Manning is now poised to be suspended for four games having already been sent off against Blackburn Rovers this season.

Swansea are set to appeal the decision, but, as thing stand, Manning is unavailable for the matches against Blackpool, Peterborough United, Birmingham City and Cardiff City.

Cyrus Christie is in contention to face Blackpool on Saturday having been ineligible to face Fulham on Tuesday night.

Swansea will monitor the fitness of Flynn Downes ahead of the trip to Lancashire after the midfielder took a knock in the first half of the 5-1 defeat to Fulham.

"Flynn Downes took a kick. We missed him because he is one of our most athletic players," said Martin.

"He was sore, really, really sore and so we had to weigh it up as to whether we put him back out there or save him for the games coming up.

"It hurt us him not being on the pitch, but you have to take into account the big picture.



https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulhams-marco-silva-agreement-swansea-23331662

[WhiteJC]

All tickets issued for Fulham visit

All tickets have been issued for our home game with Fulham.

The game is currently scheduled to take place on Saturday 23rd April, with kick-off at 3pm.

The two sides drew in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage, Dominic Solanke's brilliant strike just seconds into the second half was cancelled out by Tosin Adarabioyo.

The full list of ticket on sale dates can be viewed here.



https://www.afcb.co.uk/news/club-news/all-tickets-issued-for-fulham-visit/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham weren't at their best, says Silva

Fulham boss Marco Silva believes his side were not at their best despite a 5-1 drubbing of Swansea City to move 14 points clear at the top of the Championship.

Ryan Manning saw red for the Swans late into a goalless first half before Alesksander Mitrovic gave Fulham the lead with his 35th league goal of the season.

Ben Cabango then put the ball into his own net before Bobby De Cordova-Reid and a double from Neco Williams secured a comfortable win for the Whites.

"It was a tough game, like we expected," Silva said.

"We knew before the match that it would be a little bit different with the way that they play, the way they build and prepare their attacks.

"We had a plan, but the first 15-20 minutes we did it wrong. We did it completely wrong.

"It wasn't our best performance, definitely not, even the second half wasn't our best performance, but I have to congratulate the players.

"It's easy to see how this competition is really tough. Every three days you are playing, and it's always tough to take the three points.

"Even if in some moments we didn't play how I like, to come here and win the football match was really important for us."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-werent-at-their-best-says-silva

[WhiteJC]

Tim Ream makes Neco Williams claim as Liverpool loanee shines in Fulham win

Tim Ream has shown his support for Fulham teammate Neco Williams.

Williams scored twice in the side's 5-1 thrashing of Swansea City on Tuesday night.

Williams' goals came in the 77th and 85th minute to add some shine to the scoreline as he bagged the final two strikes of the game.

Ream posted an Instagram story (see below) with a picture of Williams with the message: "This guy only wants to score worldies."



Williams first goal came from a well worked pressing move which earned the ball back high up the pitch.

The ball bounced around in the box when Williams popped up in the right spot on the inside edge of the box to slot home a side footed shot into the back of the net.

But his second goal was a fantastic looping volley that took the ball over the Swansea keeper.

It was the goal of the evening and a wonderful strike to close off a dominant win for the league leaders.

Williams is on loan for the rest of the season from Premier League side Liverpool.

In his time with Fulham, he has seven appearances since arriving in the January transfer window.

These were his first two goals for the club as Marco Silva's side extended their lead at the top of the table to 14 points.

The Verdict

Williams' second strike was a wonderful display of technique which made for a fine finish.

The Welshman has performed well for Fulham and this goal will certainly catch the attention of his parent club Liverpool.

This was yet another dominant performance from Fulham who are starting to play like a Premier League side.

Given their advantage at the top of the table, it's hard to see anything other than promotion in their immediate future.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/tim-ream-makes-neco-williams-claim-as-liverpool-loanee-shines-in-fulham-win/

[WhiteJC]

Chris Wilder makes Fulham comparison as he delivers Sheffield United verdict

The Middlesbrough boss believes his former side are now showing their quality under Paul Heckingbottom

Chris Wilder says Sheffield United were 'superior in every department' after watching them put four past Middlesbrough last night.

The home side moved up to fifth in the table with a convincing 4-1 win and the former Blades boss admitted afterwards that his team 'got dominated from one to 11.'

Although Wilder was surprised with his own side's performance, what did not come as a surprise to the 54-year-old was the quality of Paul Heckingbottom's team.

Having assembled the majority of this squad, he knows all too well just how strong Sheffield United can be this season and he believes they are now finally showing that under Heckingbottom.

He believes they should be challenging for automatic promotion alongside Fulham, and paid credit to the turnaround under the current manager.

"Sharp and Gibbs-White destroyed our three [defenders]," he said following last night's match.

"Their two forwards had two much movement and two much energy for our back three. Their midfield players won the major part of the game and the back three wrapped our two up.



https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/chris-wilder-makes-fulham-comparison-23332299

[WhiteJC]

Talking Points: Swansea

Fast start

Following the red card towards the end of the first half, Swansea looked to solidify things by bringing on Ryan Bennett and Jay Fulton at the break, but their new gameplan was undone within 14 seconds when Aleksandar Mitrović converted. It was one of two goals that came from the high press Marco Silva wanted to see from his side, and our Head Coach acknowledged the importance of scoring so early in the second period. "It was key," he told FFCtv. "Scoring in the first minute, having the impact straight away was what we wanted to do, and it was only a matter of time before we scored the second. It was a key moment in the game."

Another Mitro record

Aleksandar Mitrović's 35th strike of the season saw him move onto 42 goals involvements for the year, courtesy of the seven assists he's also laid on for teammates throughout the campaign. It's led to another personal milestone for the big man, as the previous record for goal involvements in a single Championship season was shared by Ivan Toney and Rickie Lambert, who both managed 41.

Neco off and running

Neco Williams has settled immediately into life at Fulham, looking as though he's been our right-back for years. Every time he's stepped onto the pitch he's tried to get himself on the scoresheet – as his shots per game statistic of 1.3 attests – but a combination of goalkeeper saves and heart-breaking crossbars have denied him so far. It was like the 93 bus to Putney Bridge on Tuesday night, you have to wait for one, and then two come along at once. "If you don't shoot, you don't score!" Neco told FFCtv. "I came so close in the last game, but I got my goals this time, so I'm just relieved."

A perfect birthday

Gentleman Jim celebrated his birthday in Swansea on Tuesday – we won't tell you how old – and had a quite lovely time. A nice bit of Victoria sponge and a chinwag with Marco after the boss had finished his press commitments will certainly have made his 180-mile drive home via the M4 pass all the quicker.

Whether it’s good morning, good afternoon, good evening, or good night; God bless. 🍰 #FFC pic.twitter.com/tANl1WDPMF

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) March 8, 2022

Catching up with Cy

Ineligible to face his parent club, Cyrus Christie was a spectator for the match at his loan home of the Swansea.com Stadium. A hugely popular figure at Fulham, he caught up with lots of the boys in the tunnel at full-time, all of whom will no doubt be delighted to see him flourishing in Wales. The form he's in, we're glad he wasn't allowed to play!



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/march/09/talking-points-swansea/

[WhiteJC]

Swansea City capitulate to Fulham in a second half spoilt by the match officials

It was never going to be easy, we all knew that before the game it wasn't going to be one of the most difficult tasks of the season. Keeping a Fulham side at bay whilst still managing to play the style of football the swans are becoming known for. Unfortunately more deciding factors kicked in to totally destroy any chances Swansea City had to take anything from the game.

Swans fans were left furious but split in their opinion on Ryan Manning's sending off just before the 'referee' blew for half time last night at the swansea.com stadium. Up to that point Swansea had met with the challenge, and in some reports were the more likely side to take something from the game. The passing was good, attempts at goal were made and it was Swansea who were pressing on the Fulham midfield and defence.

It was working a treat, we had a real game of football to watch.

The referee Jarred Gillett, the first official to manage a premier league game from outside the country was responsible for the match's most crucial decision. Known for his harshness and lack of time taken when balancing his decision making he quickly sent Ryan Manning off after a poor challenge on the whining Harry Wilson. It was a yellow card for sure, but the explanation given to Russell Martin at half time by the referee that Manning's challenge was high and reckless does leave some hope the card could be rescinded.

Because the red card wasn't any of those things.

Another added ingredient and it's someone swans fans will know well is Andy Woolmer who according to Russell Martin allowed himself to be constantly 'swarmed' around by Fulham's technical staff. Woolmer has history, a lot of history with Swansea City. Steve Cooper started last season Woolmer was not fit to officiate his and Swansea City's games. When he was appointed for the home game against Sheffield Wednesday and it all became clear. Having been less than professional at an earlier game at QPR Cooper made an official complaint to the EFL that he wasn't fit or able to officiate due to his 'personal issues' with Cooper and the swans. The officials display during that game was clearly biased and confirmed Cooper's concerns.

Although Cooper was fined a minimal sum and Woolmer kept away from officiating on the pitch at swans games it was inevitable he would still bear that grudge Cooper made us all aware of. In fact Cooper was so direct and made such statements on Woolmer's, character, ability, competence, personal bias and lack of professionalism you would have thought a civil court would be the best way of testing the accusations.

That never happened, and we can only ask why ?

Irrespective of opinions from those who saw the game last night, and the decision from Gillet it was made without reflection or consultation with his official on the line. His reasoning will be the main cause for the appeal, and a football match was in the words of Russell Martin 'ruined' Martin did admit the two goals conceded at the start of the second half were totally down to his swans side.

It took only 14 seconds in the second half for Marco Silva's side to take the lead as they seized on sloppy Swansea defending, with Andy Fisher's overhit pass for Matt Grimes allowing Wilson to set up Mitrovic for a simple finish. Fulham extended their lead as Cabango bundled into his own net before Mitrovic showed his creative side with a dinked cross for Wilson, whose header across goal allowed substitute Decordova-Reid to convert from close range.

Piroe's headed goal from a Jamie Paterson cross was never going to be anything more than academic, albeit the swans first set piece goal of the season. And so it proved as Williams struck on the rebound to put Fulham 4-1 up. The Wales full-back then scored his second and Fulham's fifth with a fabulous dipping strike from the edge of the penalty area.

Swansea head coach Russell Martin said after the game : "The red card is the most important factor of the night. It's totally changed the game, I thought for 40 minutes we were fantastic. We were in control, we were dominant. The first 15 minutes was probably as well as we have started all season. What the referee isn't to blame for is the start of the second half which was really poor. We follow that up with conceding another goal quickly. The mistake is on me. It shouldn't end up with Fish [Andy Fisher] from a kick-off."

Fulham head coach Marco Silva was delighted despite the assistance from elesewhere : "It was a tough game but like we expected. We knew before the match it would be different, the way they play and the problems they create us, the way they build their play. We had a plan but in the first 15 minutes we did it wrong. They beat the pressure easily. After that we started to balance it more and control the game. After the red card, the game changed. It was key for us to score in the first minute of the second half. They take many risks in those situations and we pressed them and forced the mistake, then it was a matter of time until we scored more. It wasn't our best performance but I have to congratulate the players."

It should be noted both coaches felt the Manning tackle wasn't a red card, as do we here at Swansea Independent, so we will wait and see the outcome of the appeal which lets be honest is quite a gamble. In any event Ryan Manning is out for the next four games as it is his second sending off of the season. If confirmed Manning misses the South Wales derby on April 2nd.

Swansea City: Andy Fisher; Korey Smith, Ben Cabango, Kyle Naughton, Ryan Manning; Olivier Ntcham (Ryan Bennett 46), Flynn Downes (Jay Fulton 46), Matt Grimes (captain), Jamie Paterson; Joel Piroe, Michael Obafemi (Kyle Joseph 60).

Unused Substitutes: Ben Hamer, Joel Latibeaudiere, Finley Burns, Cameron Congreve.

Fulham: Marek Rodak; Harrison Reed, Neeskens Kebano (Bobby Decordova-Reid 68), Harry Wilson, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Tim Ream (captain), Tosin Aderabioyo, Neco Williams, Jean Michael Seri (Tom Cairney 76), Fabio Carvalho (Ivan Cavaleiro 68), Antonee Robinson.

Unused Substitutes: Paulo Gazzaniga. Kenny Tete, Michael Hector, Nathaniel Chalobah.

Attendance: 17,012

Referee Gillet 4/10.



https://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/swanseacity/news/57250/swansea-city-capitulate-to-fulham-in-a-second-half-spoilt-by-the-match-officials

[WhiteJC]

Games for the Week-end 12/03
We're off to Oakwell for yet another 12:30 kick-off, this time we take on Barnsley

After a fairly dull first half, in truth Swansea looked to have the measure of us until Ryan Manning's red card. The second half was very different with Mitro scoring after 14 seconds, Cabango's own goal, Bobby Decordova-Reid coming off the bench to get our 3rd and then Nico Williams scoring his first, for Fulham, and then, probably the best of the bunch, a cracking volley for our fifth.
With Bournemouth dropping points, again, having a game in hand over Huddersfield, and having a ridiculous goal difference, us Fulham fans might soon be in the very unusual position of knowing we're going to be promoted, and most likely as Champions, the best season since Tigana?

Barnsley aren't having their best season, their currently in 23rd with -26 goal difference, having said that they've recently had a couple of wins against Middlesborough and Hull so we can't afford to take them lightly. Earlier in the season we beat them at our place 4-1.

Current Form:
Barnsley – LWWLD
Fulham – LWWWW

Our recent record against Barnsley is a good one with 5 wins, 2 losses and 0 draws.

My team...

COYW's

Games of Interest...
Friday 11th
West Brom v Huddersfield

Saturday 12th
Barnsley v Fulham
Blackburn v Bristol City
Bournemouth v Derby
Millwall v Middlesborough

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=1999

[WhiteJC]

'Seeing Harry Wilson's Leg' Changed Silva's Mind On Ryan Manning Red



Swansea manager Russell Martin felt referee Jarred Gillett's decision to send off Ryan Manning shortly before half-time in his side's defeat to Fulham was a decisive factor in the match.

The game was scoreless when Ireland international Manning caught Fulham's Harry Wilson with a tackle after 42 minutes. Gillett swiftly produced a card for the Galwayman.

"It's the most important factor of the night isn't it," said Martin.

"It's totally changed the game, I thought for 40 minutes we were fantastic. We were in control, we were dominant. The first 15 minutes was probably as well as we have started all season.

"I'm just really disappointed for the players and our fans. In my opinion, after watching it back it's a really poor decision. I think Fulham wanted a penalty a bit before that. They were adamant in the technical area it was a penalty. They got away with much more than I did with the fourth official.

"It is not high and it's not reckless is what I got told at half-time. It wasn't two footed and it's not a lunge. What's happened is the referee has followed one mistake with the penalty, if he got that one wrong, I've not seen it back.

"I couldn't believe how quickly he got the red card out, so it's ruined the game in terms of a spectacle. It was two teams, really good teams, going right at it.

"I think we showed for 40 minutes that, on our day, we can be as good as anyone."

Runaway Championship leaders Fulham scored five second half goals with Swansea getting one in reply. Fulham manager Marco Silva admitted that he initially thought a red card was not the right decision but changed his mind after the game.

"If you ask me if I thought it was a red card at the time, I have to say no," said Silva.

"After seeing Harry Wilson's leg, I started to think in a different way.

"If you saw the leg of Harry Wilson, maybe you would think in a different way also.

"I didn't see the broadcast image. In the first moment I thought it would be yellow but when I saw Harry's leg I started to think in a different way.

"Maybe it's not a red card but 15 minutes earlier it's a clear penalty. He made a mistake there as well. It's part of the game."



https://www.balls.ie/football/ryan-manning-red-card-swansea-fulham-502706

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Fulham linked with Narey move

Fulham have been linked with a move for Fortuna Dusseldorf winger Khaled Narey this summer, according to reports from Germany.

The 27 year-old has enjoyed an outstanding individual season with Fortuna, scoring seven goals and adding eleven assists in 24 2. Bundesliga outings, after leaving Hamburg on a free transfer in July. Narey's current deal in Dusseldorf expires at the end of 2023 – and rumours have already circulated about significant foreign interest in the right winger's services.

Fulham's main competition at this point appears to come from Sampdoria, who have reportedly sent scouts to watch Narey in action. Reports this afternoon also suggest that FC Koln and Mainz are interested in signing the wide man, who grew up in Leverkusen.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/fulham-linked-with-narey-move/

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Fulham U18s face Leicester in Premier League Cup semi-final

Fulham's under 18s have been handed an away tie against Leicester City in the draw for the Premier League Cup semi finals.

Ali Melloul's side reached the last four with a superb quarter final victory over Manchester City at Motspur Park thanks to a brilliant brace from sixteen year-old midfielder Luke Harris. The Whites will now face the Foxes at their Seagrave training ground on Wednesday 16th March at 7pm.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/fulham-u18s-face-leicester-in-premier-league-cup-semi-final/

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Tosin Adarabioyo delivers three-word verdict after latest Fulham victory

Fulham continued their fine form as they beat Swansea City 5-1 away from home last night.

Another 3 points. @FulhamFC ✅⚽️ pic.twitter.com/R9xXz6TZvW

— Tosin Adarabioyo (@TosinAdarabioyo) March 9, 2022

Whilst a Ryan Manning red card in the first half changed the game completely, it was still another ruthless display from Marco Silva's men, even if the Portuguese coach wanted more from his team.

The result leaves the Cottagers 14 points clear of third place as they chase promotion, with a title win now seeming inevitable.

And, taking to Twitter, defender Tosin Adarabioyo sent a short message that summed up how things are for the Londoners right now, as he stated; 'another three points'.

The former Manchester City man has been a regular for the Cottagers this season, starring with his commanding displays in central defence for the team as they seek an instant return to the Premier League.

That victory in Wales was a fourth successive win for Silva's side, who are back in action against this weekend when they make the long trip to take on a Barnsley side that are struggling in the relegation zone.

The verdict

Fulham have been outstanding this season, with the side relentless in the way they are getting the wins and scoring goals.

With all that attacking power, it's no surprise that the forward players are the ones who attract the headlines, but Adarabioyo has been equally as important tot the side in defence.

The challenge is now to ensure they do get over the line, which seems a formality, and Adarabioyo will hope to continue his fine form over the remainder of the campaign.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/tosin-adarabioyo-delivers-three-word-verdict-after-latest-fulham-victory/

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Goals galore for irresistible Fulham

They might have been a little slow off the mark during a tight first half, but last night's five-goal romp at Swansea was the tenth time Fulham have scored four or more this season. The Championship table toppers have now opened up a fourteen point lead over their closest rivals in the promotion race and much of it is down to the way Marco Silva shelved the risk averse football adopted by Scott Parker in favour of a far more adventurous approach.

The signs were there from Fulham's very first away game back in August. Huddersfield, now very much in form under Carlos Corberan, were dispatched 5-1, with Silva deciding to send on Ivan Cavaleiro after Harry Wilson had been sent off with the Whites 3-1 up rather than making a more defensive substitution. Fulham also hit four at Birmingham City, before responding to Lyndon Dykes having the temerity to equalise in the west London derby at Craven Cottage by putting four past QPR.

Silva's embrace of the more audacious option was solidified by his pairing of Tom Cairney and Jean Michael Seri together in central midfield for the first time at the City Ground. Some feared that an engine room not renowned for putting their foot in might get overrun by Nottingham Forest but Fulham passed their way to another clinical 4-0 victory. They then hit seven at Blackburn Rovers and put a further four past beleaguered Barnsley.

There was another seven-goal away day at Reading before back-to-back 6-2 batterings of Bristol City and Birmingham City and last night's stroll in South Wales, admittedly made easier by the dismissal of Ryan Manning just before half time, was very much in the same vein. Fulham have now scored a staggering 89 goals in 35 games and they look very good value to become the first second division side to bring up a century since Manchester City in 2002. Fulham have only twice scored a hundred goals in a season before, in 1929 – when they remarkably finished fifth as one of four teams who finished on 52 points, and 1932 (when a final tally of 111 goals saw the Whites promoted from the Division Three South as champions).

Silva has played down talk of records as being for other people in recent weeks. He was keen to set his side the target of winning the Championship when he took his first training session at Motspur Park in the summer. For a club that isn't accustomed to winning major honours – Fulham have only won six league titles in their history – that would be some achievement. Winning it in a style reminiscent of the Jean Tigana team that stormed to the Division One title in 2000/01 would be a real statement. That side's 101 point tally might be obtainable if the Whites continue their current winning run.

The goal glut has largely been made possible by the penalty box predator, Aleksandar Mitrovic, who scored his 35th goal of an incredible campaign against Swansea. But others are worthy of mention, including Harry Wilson – who moved level with John Swift last night at the top of the Championship's assist charts with thirteen – and Neeskens Kebano, whose consistency has been a brilliant by-product of his longest run in the side since making the move to Craven Cottage almost six years ago. Even Bobby Decordova-Reid, who has had to make do with minimal minutes, now has six goals to his name after scoring shortly after coming off the bench against the Swans.

All of this adds up to a season to savour. Silva has reset Fulham's footballing philosophy to one that aims to attack the opposition at every opportunity. After two years of dreary displays under Parker, it was something we were all longing for. Seeing it deliver such superb results is the stuff dreams are made of.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/goals-galore-for-irresistible-fulham/

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Fulham's Harrison Reed shares message after Swansea City demolition

Fulham motored 14 points clear of AFC Bournemouth and Huddersfield Town in the Sky Bet Championship last night, beating Swansea City 5-1 in South Wales.

Marco Silva's side are flying in the Championship and have now recorded four consecutive wins to further drill home the fact that they are on their way back to the Premier League.

Last night they made short work of Swansea following Ryan Manning's red card, with Aleksandar Mitrovic, Bobby DeCordova-Reid and Neco Williams (x2) getting amongst the goals, as well as Ben Cabango scoring an own goal.

Taking to Instagram to reflect on 'another big win', midfielder, Harrison Reed, posted a message before looking ahead to what's on the horizon:

Silva's side now swiftly move their attention onto back-to-back away fixtures in the coming week.

Saturday sees the Cottagers take on relegation-threatened Barnsley at Oakwell, before Fulham head to the Midlands to take on Steve Bruce's West Brom side next Tuesday evening.

Fulham's win last night, combined with Bournemouth dropping more midweek points against Peterborough United means that there's now a 14-point gap between first and second in the Championship.

The Verdict

Fulham's mentality at the moment is out of this world.

The way they've responded to losing to Huddersfield Town has been magnificent and to chalk off four consecutive wins without much fuss deserves plenty of praise.

Reed sort of offers us an insight into how the Fulham squad's mind works, putting last night's win to bed and already starting to look onto the next fixture.

It's a really, really good mentality to have and a staple of any side striving for promotion.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulhams-harrison-reed-shares-message-after-swansea-city-demolition/

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Fulham sign Godo after successful trial

Fulham have signed Margate forward Martial Godo after his successful trial with the Championship leaders.

The former West Ham academy player made an immediate impact after being drafted into Fulham's under 23 side when the young Whites sent a number of promising forwards on loan. Godo scored on his debut for Steve Wigley's side in a 2-1 league win at Stoke and then again in the Premier League Cup victory against Colchester United at Motspur Park. He is understood to have agreed terms on a professional contract this week and will be available for Wigley's side for the remainder of the season.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/03/fulham-sign-godo-after-successful-trial/