Sunday Fulham Stuff - 07/08/22...

[WhiteJC]

Fulham give Liverpool a shock as Spurs turn on style

Promoted side hold title contenders to a draw while Spurs hit four on a thrilling first Saturday

The first Saturday of the 2022/23 Premier League was full of thrills as title contenders Liverpool had to come from behind twice at promoted Fulham to start their season with a draw, while Tottenham Hotspur continued last season's impressive form with a 4-1 victory over Southampton.

Aleksandar Mitrovic was Fulham's hero at Craven Cottage with a double as Marco Silva's side made it three Premier League matches in a row unbeaten against the Reds.

Mitrovic's 32nd-minute header put Fulham 1-0 up before Darwin Nunez came off the bench to mark his Premier League debut with a 64th-minute equaliser.

A Mitrovic penalty restored Fulham's lead but Mohamed Salah maintained his incredible opening-weekend record, scoring for the sixth successive season in Matchweek 1 with 10 minutes remaining.

Despite seeing his team save a point Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was unhappy by his team's performance. When asked how frustrated he was, Klopp replied: "You really want to know on a scale of one to 10? Twelve."

Spurs went behind to Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, but inspired by Dejan Kulusevski, who got a goal and an assist, they went 2-1 up by half-time. Antonio Conte's side turned on the style to add two more goals after the break for Spurs' biggest opening-day win in their 30 years in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest were unable to celebrate their return to the Premier League after 23 years. They lost 2-0 at Newcastle United, who claimed their first win of the season 14 matches earlier than in 2021/22 thanks to sublime goals from Fabian Schar and Callum Wilson.

Elsewhere AFC Bournemouth, had more joy on their return, claiming a 2-0 home win over Aston Villa. Jefferson Lerma's opener was timed at 1min 56sec - the quickest scored by a promoted side in their first match back. Kieffer Moore added a second goal on 80 minutes. 

Leeds United recorded a 2-1 comeback victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road. Daniel Podence gave Wolves an early lead but Rodrigo equalised and a Rayan Ait-Nouri own goal turned the match on its head. 

In Saturday's final match, Chelsea beat Everton thanks to a first-half penalty from Jorginho, but last season's third-placed side struggled to convert their dominance at Goodison Park into further goals.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/2713948

[WhiteJC]

Premier League top scorers 2022-23: Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic leads early Golden Boot race

A new Premier League season is upon us, and so is another race to claim the prestigious Golden Boot award.

The 2022-23 campaign features scores of contenders that can lay a legitimate claim to becoming top-flight leading goalscorer, a fearsome battle only greatly enhanced by the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez to Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.

Last year the Golden Boot was shared for only the fifth time in Premier League history, with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Tottenham favourite Heung-min Son finishing an eventful campaign equal on 23 goals each from 35 matches.

Salah and Son should feature prominently in the fight once again this season, with the latter's Spurs team-mate Harry Kane also gunning to regain the prize he claimed for a third time in 2020-21.

Gabriel Jesus will be eager to carry over his red-hot pre-season form into the real stuff, while Cristiano Ronaldo should be right up there once again - provided he stays at Manchester United after a turbulent summer of course.

The first goal of the new season was actually struck by Gabriel Martinelli, whose header after a clever set-piece routine gave Arsenal a first-half lead in the curtain-raiser against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is the early pace-setter, notching twice for newly-promoted Fulham in their impressive draw with Liverpool at Craven Cottage.

Premier League top scorers 2022-23

Position	Player	Team	Goals	Assists
1	Aleksandar Mitrovic	Fulham	2	0
2	Darwin Nunez	Liverpool	1	1
2	Dejan Kulusevski	Tottenham	1	1
2	Gabriel Martinelli	Arsenal	1	0
2	Mohamed Salah	Liverpool	1	0
2	Jefferson Lerma	Bournemouth	1	0
2	Kieffer Moore	Bournemouth	1	0
2	Rodrigo	Leeds	1	0
2	Daniel Podence	Wolves	1	0
2	Fabian Schar	Newcastle	1	0
2	Callum Wilson	Newcastle	1	0
2	Ryan Sessegnon	Tottenham	1	0
2	Eric Dier	Tottenham	1	0
2	James Ward-Prowse	Southampton	1	0
2	Jorginho	Chelsea	1	0

More players will be added after scoring their first goals. Table correct as of 8:30pm BST on Saturday, August 6.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league-top-scorers-2022-23-goals-assists-b1017005.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keen on signing Joshua Zirkzee

Premier League newcomers Fulham are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee.

According to Sport1, London minnows Fulham are keeping tabs on a summer move for Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee.

The 21-year-old came through the ranks at several Dutch clubs before moving to Bayern Munich in 2017. Zirkzee initially enjoyed a short spell in the club's reserves before making his senior bow in the UEFA Champions League against Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.

Zirkzee has since made 17 appearances for the Bavarian giants, scoring one goal and assisting one more. While it is by no means a poor return, the youngster's chances of garnering regular playtime at the Allianz Arena are difficult given the attacking riches at Bayern Munich's disposal.

Despite losing Robert Lewandowski, Die Roten extended Serge Gnabry's contract and also brought in Sadio Mane. The duo add to the likes of Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, Thomas Muller and Kingsley Coman. This gives Julian Nagelsmann a frontline that is rich in quality and depth.

Zirkzee is better off securing regular game time elsewhere than settling for being a part-time player for Bayern Munich. Mathys Tel became the second youngest Bundesliga debutant for Bayern this week against Eintracht Frankfurt, adding another barrier in Zirkzee's path. Fulham could allow him to play regularly and continue his development as a top-tier footballer.

Capable of also playing on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder, the Dutchman is an excellent finisher who can be lethal upfront. While Zirkzee does lack the prowess to compete aerially, there is enough time for him to develop that aspect. Having him learn from Aleksandar Mitrovic at Craven Cottage could help him and Fulham in that regard.

The Cottagers were handed a tough task against Liverpool on the opening day and held the Merseyside giants to a 2-2 draw. Marco Silva's side have the potential to put up a show this season but lack the strength in depth needed for a sustained challenge.

Zirkzee is keen to move to England, and his agent Kia Joorabchian is a familiar face in the Premier League circles. Bayern Munich are open to selling the Dutch forward, and with his contract running out in 2023, the time is ripe for them to sell him this summer.

Fulham have a squad that has the right balance of youth and experience. Zirkzee's addition will hand Silva another prospect who could go on to become a leading player for them in the years to come.



http://www.thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/08/06/fulham-keen-on-signing-joshua-zirkzee/

[WhiteJC]

Galatasaray challenge Fulham for Roma's Kluivert

Roma outcast Justin Kluivert is not only in talks with Fulham, as Turkish reports claim he is also of interest to Galatasaray.

The Netherlands international has just returned from a loan spell at OGC Nice and is not part of coach Jose Mourinho's plans.

Director Tiago Pinto has been in London this week to discuss a potential transfer to Fulham for circa €10m.

However, that might not be the only alternative for him, because TRT Spor suggest that Galatasaray have also made an approach for Kluivert.

Their proposal is a loan with option to buy, so Roma would prefer a permanent solution for the player they signed from Ajax in 2018 for €17.25m.

He had loan spells at RB Leipzig and OGC Nice, linked with a potential temporary switch to Torino this summer too.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray have agreed personal terms with former Napoli striker Dries Mertens, who is flying in this evening from Brussels.

They also secured Lucas Torreira from Arsenal after his experience at Fiorentina last season.



https://football-italia.net/galatasaray-challenge-fulham-for-romas-kluivert/

[WhiteJC]

Pics that go hard.#FULLIV pic.twitter.com/Cw3Zi0YOj9

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 6, 2022

[Bill2]

'He simply has to' - Referee accused of falling for Aleksandar Mitrovic dive during Liverpool draw

Virgil van Dijk was adjudged to have fouled Aleksandar Mitrovic as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw with Fulham

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been accused of "diving" during the draw with Liverpool in the Premier League.

The Reds were held to a 2-2 draw in the early kick-off at Craven Cottage, dropping points early on in the title race. Second half goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah helped earn a point in West London.

Both of Fulham's goals came from Mitrovic, one in each half, with his second coming from the penalty spot. The home side were awarded a spot-kick after Virgil van Dijk was deemed to have fouled Mitrovic in the box by referee Andy Madley.

Former Chelsea star Andy Townsend was commentating on the game at Craven Cottage and has given his verdict on the penalty decision. Townsend believes that while Van Dijk may not have defended well, he has made a "dive" claim about Mitrovic.

"I saw Van Dijk say to the referee, 'no chance' and it looked like Mitrovic went down a little easily, for me," Townsend told Talksport .

"Does he offer out a leg towards Van Dijk? I'm not sure he touches him, but either way it's not good defending.

"I didn't see a lot of contact and if there's no contract you can't give it.

"It looks like a dive to me. He hasn't touched him.

"The referee has got to have a look at the monitor there. If there is serious doubt over whether that was a penalty, he simply has to look at the monitor.

"It's a contentious pen, I didn't see a lot of contact.

"I'd love to hear the talk between the refs. We should be capable of that. Nobody in this ground had a clue what was happening, so we should be doing it."



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/he-simply-to-referee-accused-24689936

No one else has mentioned this, but then saw it was the Liverpool Echo. No one else has even said he went over easily but they had to. Wonder if they had said the same when Salah and Mane fell over when someone sneezed near them. Makes themselves look silly.

[Nero]

'He simply has to' - Referee accused of falling for Aleksandar Mitrovic dive during Liverpool draw

Virgil van Dijk was adjudged to have fouled Aleksandar Mitrovic as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw with Fulham

Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has been accused of "diving" during the draw with Liverpool in the Premier League.

The Reds were held to a 2-2 draw in the early kick-off at Craven Cottage, dropping points early on in the title race. Second half goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah helped earn a point in West London.

Both of Fulham's goals came from Mitrovic, one in each half, with his second coming from the penalty spot. The home side were awarded a spot-kick after Virgil van Dijk was deemed to have fouled Mitrovic in the box by referee Andy Madley.

Former Chelsea star Andy Townsend was commentating on the game at Craven Cottage and has given his verdict on the penalty decision. Townsend believes that while Van Dijk may not have defended well, he has made a "dive" claim about Mitrovic.

"I saw Van Dijk say to the referee, 'no chance' and it looked like Mitrovic went down a little easily, for me," Townsend told Talksport .

"Does he offer out a leg towards Van Dijk? I'm not sure he touches him, but either way it's not good defending.

"I didn't see a lot of contact and if there's no contract you can't give it.

"It looks like a dive to me. He hasn't touched him.

"The referee has got to have a look at the monitor there. If there is serious doubt over whether that was a penalty, he simply has to look at the monitor.

"It's a contentious pen, I didn't see a lot of contact.

"I'd love to hear the talk between the refs. We should be capable of that. Nobody in this ground had a clue what was happening, so we should be doing it."



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/he-simply-to-referee-accused-24689936

No one else has mentioned this, but then saw it was the Liverpool Echo. No one else has even said he went over easily but they had to. Wonder if they had said the same when Salah and Mane fell over when someone sneezed near them. Makes themselves look silly.

and its not like Salah has ever dived in his liverpool career to win a pen