Sunday Fulham Stuff - 18/09/22...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Saturday
Wolves	0-3	Man City
Newcastle	1-1	Bournemouth
Spurs	6-2	Leicester
Brighton	P-P	Palace

[WhiteJC]

Marco's Post-Forest press conference

Marco Silva told the press that his side were deserving of all three points after Fulham ran out 3-2 winners against Nottingham Forest on Friday night.

Forest took the lead early on in the first-half through Taiwo Awoniyi and the score remained 1-0 going into the break. However, a goal from Tosin turned the game on its head as that was followed by a rocket from João Palhinha and a first Fulham goal for Harrison Reed.

"I think we were the best team on them pitch and deserved the three points," started Marco. "I think if we analysed the match, we deserved clearly the three points. The way we started the game, even after conceding the early goal, we came and took control of the match.

"The first time Nottingham went in our 18-yard box they won a corner and scored. We knew we made a mistake in that moment; we weren't as aggressive as we should have been.

"We pushed them back, not really creating many chances. Within us, I believe in our offensive set-pieces that we could equalise the game.

"We had a chat at half-time to keep the same set up, but do it quicker, much more dynamic, much more aggressive on the ball, more speed in circulation, because after that I told them the space will appear.

"In the second half, much better. The way we won, the way we started the second goal as well, a great strike from João.

"It was nice to see the goals we scored. Even with the goals they scored, with the 3-2, we showed resilience in possession to keep control of the game, we kept it well and think we deserved clearly the three points."

It was a ruthless six minutes of football that turned the tie around, after goals from the unlikely sources of Tosin, João Palhinha and Harrison Reed.

"The way we came back after half-time was really good," said Marco. "I told our players at half-time, the last words for them were we have to show personality.

"We knew the type of team we were playing against, even if they come from a tough, tough defeat to Bournemouth.

"And we did it. We matched them and their situation. Losing 1-0 at half-time is not easy. We were ruthless."

Marco gave particular praise to Harrison Reed, who finally scored his first goal for Fulham on Friday night, as well as praising João's incredible strike just three minutes prior.

"It was nice to see Harrison score finally in the Fulham shirt," said Marco. "The pressure on him has been really tough to score.

"He knows that I am always demanding different things from him in different areas of the pitch.

"Last season he had several chances to score and didn't score but now he has finally scored.

"Great strike from João as well. To see our number six arriving to score that goal shows our philosophy, shows our ambition as a team as well and that is a fantastic thing as well."

Not only did Marco give special praise to the goal scorers but Tim Ream too, who filled in as cover at left-back on the night and very much impressed from a very new position to him on the pitch.

"I don't like to mention individual players but I have to mention Tim Ream.

"34-years-old, he's been probably our best central defender so far and with the problems we have on our left-side, without Robinson and without (Layvin) Kurzawa as well, I didn't have doubts to start him there as I knew he would show the class and the knowledge about the position definitely because the way he works every single day showed to me that he was able to do it He played really as a captain."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/september/17/Marcos-Post-Forest-press conference/

[WhiteJC]

'It's self-inflicted AGAIN': Steve Cooper tells his Nottingham Forest squad to look at themselves after another Premier League defeat at home to Fulham... as he admits the players are scarred by the Bournemouth comeback

    Steve Cooper says that his squad's issues on the pitch are 'self-inflicted'
    Forrest fell to a fourth successive league defeat against Fulham on Friday
    The club now sit 19th in the Premier League table after seven games

Steve Cooper feels Nottingham Forest's problems are 'self-inflicted' after familiar failings led to a 3-2 defeat against Fulham at the City Ground.

A fortnight after squandering a two-goal lead against Bournemouth to lose 3-2, Forest went ahead early on through Taiwo Awoniyi against the Cottagers but then conceded three times in a breathless six-minute window.

Tosin Adarabioyo levelled after 54 minutes before Joao Palhinha's terrific strike put them ahead, while Harrison Reed's first goal for Fulham meant Lewis O'Brien's effort was a mere consolation for Forest.

Cooper said: 'It's self-inflicted again. We should look no further than at ourselves. What we're not doing at the moment is, when we concede a goal, we're not managing the moments after it well enough.

'A couple of times now we've been punished. Whether it's concentration or a bit of anxiety or trying to get back into the game too quickly, I don't know.'

Asked whether his side were still mentally scarred by their setback against the Cherries, Cooper replied: 'Maybe. You'd have to say yes.

'We were playing well when they got their first goal, probably our best moment in terms of general play in the game. Maybe it was a body blow.'

Forest were condemned to a fourth successive defeat, during which time they have shipped 14 goals, and remain second bottom in the Premier League after taking just four points from their first seven games.

They have overhauled their squad since achieving promotion from the Sky Bet Championship via the play-offs last season, making a total of 22 signings over a hectic summer.

The Forest head coach added: 'Some of our game is positive and it looks like we're progressing, but there's other parts of our game where we do look like a new team, there's no doubt about that.

'When you need to regroup and when you need to stay together, that comes with an experienced team with connections on the pitch.

'It's something we don't have with the nature of the squad that has been put together and the timing of it. That's the sort of stuff you address in pre-season.

'But obviously we're addressing it right in the middle of the Premier League. But we look no further than ourselves, the only thing we can continue to work hard and address that and improve.'


But Fulham hit back with three goals in just six minutes to condemn the home side to another defeat

Fulham, who topped the second tier last season and finished 10 points ahead of Forest, are up to sixth in the Premier League, but head coach Marco Silva refused to get too carried away.

He said: 'The position in the table is not the most important thing for us. The way we are matching the opposition sides is the main thing for me.

'We look for the position in the table at the end. It's not important now if you're sixth, seventh or eighth, we want to get points and fight.

'But we are humble enough to understand this is the Premier League. You can have a bad month and everything will change so quick.'

Silva was heartened by their fightback on Friday evening, with the English top flight resuming after last weekend's fixtures were postponed following the death of the Queen.


Despite another positive result, Marco Silva has stressed that his Fulham side have to remain humble

A minute's silence was impeccably observed by the overwhelming majority in the City Ground, with the odd outburst then drowned out by an ovation before fans sung God Save the King, while there was a round of applause in the 70th minute to commemorate the length of the Queen's reign.

Silva added: 'It was fantastic. The way we came back after half-time was really, really good. We were the best team on the pitch and we deserved the three points.

'We knew the type of of team we were playing against, even if they had a tough, tough defeat against Bournemouth, they have top individual quality players. They are tough to play against, but we did it.'




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11221801/Steve-Cooper-says-Nottingham-Forests-problems-self-inflicted-loss-home-Fulham.html

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva: 'Fulham won't get carried away with fast Premier League start'

Marco Silva has admitted that Fulham cannot afford to get carried away after continuing their excellent start to the new Premier League campaign on Friday night.

The Cottagers went into their fixture at fellow newly-promoted side Nottingham Forest having collected eight points from their opening six matches, their only defeats coming by 2-1 scorelines at Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.

As they trailed 1-0 at half time at the City Ground, it appeared that a third setback could be on the way, but a stunning comeback after the break turned the game on its head.

Tosin Adarabioyo, Joao Palhinha and Harrison Reed all scored within a six-minute period to put Fulham 3-1 ahead on the hour mark.

Although Lewis O'Brien netted 13 minutes from time, Fulham hung on to move into sixth position in the top-flight standings ahead of the remainder of the weekend's fixtures.

The West Londoners also sit seven points clear of the relegation zone, an important margin given that survival in their first year back in the Premier League remains their priority.

However, the Portuguese has insisted that his players will continue to take one match at a time when they return from the international break at the start of October.

As quoted by BBC Sport, Silva said: "[The start of the season] has been really good. As well some games in the beginning of the season we should have got more points because we deserved it," said Silva.

"But it is just seven games. It is the start of the season. We go into the international break with confidence then we prepare for the next one. A lot of fights ahead of us. We are happy with how we started but we have to keep going."

As expected, Forest pushed hard for an equaliser during the closing stages in the East Midlands, but Silva took satisfaction from how his team held on for their third success of the season.

He added: "It was a fantastic feeling for us even if we suffered a little in the last few minutes and they had belief they could score again.

"I have to congratulate the players because it is really tough to do something they have done. It's the way we work and prepare for the game to learn every single day."

Fulham return to action when they play host to Newcastle United on October 1.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/news/silva-fulham-wont-get-carried-away-with-fast-pl-start_494861.html?newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Pure Rubbish – Leicester City Star On Summer Switch Claims

Jannik Vestergaard has rubbished claims that he decided to decline Fulham and stay at Leicester City for financial reasons in the summer.

The 30-year-old defender's future at Leicester was under the scanner all summer where several clubs showed interest in him.

A number of teams were keen to sign the centre-back on loan but Vestergaard had a serious offer to move to Fulham on a permanent deal towards the end of the transfer window.

The Dane decided against the move and there were rumours that Fulham were not prepared to match his wages at Leicester.

However, Vestergaard refuted such claims and insisted that money had nothing to do with him deciding to continue at Leicester.

He stressed that at that moment it seemed a better decision to stay at Leicester rather than move to Fulham.

The centre-back told Danish outlet BT: "I don't want to specifically talk about numbers but I have also heard myself; that some speculated that I stayed at Leicester because of the wages.

"But it was never about the money.

"I don't know where this kind of thing comes out – it's pure rubbish.

"There was no difference in the finances.

"At the time, it still seemed like a better sporting option to stay at Leicester."

Vestergaard had must just one appearance in the EFL Cup and is yet to make a matchday squad for Leicester in the Premier League this season.



https://insidefutbol.com/2022/09/17/pure-rubbish-leicester-city-star-on-summer-switch-claims/579345/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Journalist hails 'encouraging' Diop vs Forest

Journalist Peter Rutzler has hailed an 'encouraging' full league debut from defender Issa Diop after Fulham ran out 3-2 victors against Nottingham Forest on Friday night.

The Lowdown: Silva's side succeed...
The Cottagers, taking on fellow newly-promoted side Forest at the City Ground on Friday, climbed to sixth in the Premier League table with a sensational victory.

Three goals in five second-half minutes sealed their comeback from 1-0 down to eventually run out convincing victors away from home, furthering Marco Silva's impressive start to their first season back in the big time.

Strikes from Tosin Adarabioyo, Joao Palhinha and Harrison Reed cemented Fulham's win whilst condemning Forest to their fourth loss on the bounce.

The Latest: Rutzler hails 'encouraging' Diop debut...
Taking to social media after the west Londoners bagged a brilliant victory, Fulham correspondent Rutzler of The Athletic hailed summer signing Diop for his 'encouraging' full debut alongside Tosin in central defence.

The journalist also goes on to suggest his display probably 'didn't stand out as much' and flew under the radar, but it was 'very good' nonetheless.

He explained:

"Probably didn't standout as much but as well as Willian, I thought Diop had a really good debut alongside Tosin. Composed at the back, tidy on the ball and I also didn't realise he had the shoulder drop in his locker when stepping out from the back... Encouraging."

The Verdict: Good news...
Signing from West Ham in a £15 million deal, the Frenchman is still just 25-years-old and is currently tied down to a five-year contract.

If Diop can continue putting in a consistent stream of solid defensive performances, the fact he is still fairly young could make this signing look like a real bargain in the long term.

Past endorsements from trophy-laden bosses like Jose Mourinho indicate he is a player of real potential, and judging by Rutzler's verdict, it appears he is already starting to turn his career around at Craven Cottage after a lacklustre Hammers spell.




https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/fulham-fc-news/fulham-nottingham-forest-player-ratings-issa-diop/

[WhiteJC]

Silva 'won't get carried away'
Marco Silva insists Fulham won't get carried away despite climbing into the Premier League's top six with a win over Nottingham Forest last night.

Fulham's come-from-behind success at the City Ground meant the Whites, one of the pre-season relegation favourites, have now recorded their second best ever start to a Premier League campaign by taking eleven points from their first seven fixtures – a haul only excelled by the fourteen Fulham collected under Chris Coleman in 2003/04. Silva, though, is keen to everyone's feet on the ground.

The Fulham head coach told the BBC:

    "Our start has been really good. As well some games in the beginning of the season we should have got more points because we deserved it. But it is just seven games. It is the start of the season. We go into the international break with confidence then we prepare for the next one. A lot of fights ahead of us. We are happy with how we started but we have to keep going."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/09/silva-wont-get-carried-away/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Peter Rutzler says Harry Wilson return will be 'huge'

Fulham could receive a boost 'before the end of October' with the return of Harry Wilson from injury, according to The Athletic's Peter Rutzler.

The lowdown
Wilson hasn't played for Fulham since the penultimate match of their promotion-winning campaign last season.

The winger sustained a knee injury during the summer, and speaking on the eve of the new season, Marco Silva offered little clarity on the exact return timeline.

The manager said he would be out for eight weeks at the very least, but expressed confidence that the player's World Cup prospects were not under threat.

The latest
Speaking on The Athletic's matchday forum after the win at Nottingham Forest, Rutzler suggested that Wilson could be back in the fold within the next six weeks, provided the recovery goes smoothly.

And he feels the Welshman's comeback will significantly strengthen Marco Silva's squad.

"It depends on his recovery. As long as there's no setbacks I wonder if he could come in before the end of the October. If he is available as you say, that would be a huge boost."

The verdict
On the back of a 3-2 victory over Forest that moves them up to sixth in the Premier League table, this is more good news for Fulham fans.

Wilson was excellent in the Championship last season, scoring 11 goals and providing 21 assists in all competitions.

Only Aleksandar Mitrovic (43) scored more for the Cottagers, and nobody could get close to his assist tally, with Fabio Carvalho second best on eight (via Transfermarkt).

The £32,900-per-week man, then, should offer a supreme creative presence as well as a significant goalscoring threat.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/fulham-fc-news/fulham-peter-rutzler-says-harry-wilson-return-will-be-huge/

[WhiteJC]

Positives and negatives: Nottingham Forest 2-3 Fulham

Marco Silva and Steve Cooper carried reefs onto the pitch to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's passing, black armbands were worn, and as a cluster of arse hats from the home end tarnished the minute's silence, Fulham simply had to honour our late monarch with a barnstorming victory. It's really what she would've wanted and we didn't disappoint.

Cooper looks like a bloke that's just escaped from a headlock but we have to credit his team somewhat – they didn't submit completely and it made for a thrilling Friday night spectacle. Forest have 1000 players to choose from and while it may still be early doors, their start to the season stinks of Fulham 18/19 and I worry for them. Still, now the boot's on the other foot, we're entitled to lord it over our unfortunate opponents because we're super Fulham and we adore a big dub at the City Ground.

Positives
Six mental minutes

Well, that escalated quickly. For 54 minutes, without being particularly assertive, Fulham were 1-0 down and it appeared as though we desperately needed a major reaction, a minor miracle, if we were going to spoil the hosts' evening. The Whites dictated the run of play, although we refused to take risks, it was far too sensible and Dean Henderson was rarely tested. That was until Tosin Adarabioyo climbed highest to nod his equaliser past the Manchester United loanee, his first Premier League goal, and from that game-defining corner, the following 6 minutes were stupidly busy and two quick-fire shrieks from yours truly nearly brought my wife into labour. Honours even, Fulham had the bit gripped firmly between their teeth, Forest were shell-shocked, ransacked, a rampage was brewing and the determination, the invention, the audacity that provoked our fight-back will keep us in the planet's most demanding division.

From a goal down to two goals up by the hour mark, the Whites were soaring and that's the Silva effect, a hallmark of how he's transformed the club. We triumphed from a losing position, we refused to sit back on a point and we denied Forest the breathing space to recuperate after being pegged back. That would never have happened in the 20/21 campaign. This Fulham side is built differently, it's defiant, it finds solutions and it doesn't give up. Defeating Forest, a side flirting with the drop zone already, was imperative and while they reduced the gap to a singular goal, Fulham's courage to shut out Cooper's men, to dampen a resurgence was astonishing and it all culminated from 6 dizzying minutes where limbs flew as wildly as our game-winning strikes. To prosper in the Premier League, taking chances as they emerge is essential and Fulham certainly aren't allowing the opportunity to succeed in the English top-flight to pass them by. The Whites are exciting, the Silva era's in full swing and now, on a high, it's onwards and upwards in style, the Fulham way.

Falling for João
You're falling madly in love with João Palhinha and there's not a damn thing you can do about it. The badge-smacking Portuguese battering ram was as sturdy as ever in the centre of the park, he offered tutorials in hard hits, crafty tackles and that also stands for his prowess in front of the target, too. Palhinha sticks it on his marker, he's a prison warden that doesn't show an ounce of mercy and as Kenny Tete rolled a ridiculously inviting ball into the roaming midfielder's path, just within the D, pandemonium ensued. The 27-year-old let rip from 25-yards, his effort arced ferociously towards the target and that's when we realised we'd somehow signed a man that is designed for the spectacular. He can score bangers, he can hold our midfield together almost independently, Palhinha is elite and he's doing the business, absolute bits for the Fulham.

I don't know how we persuaded JPally to join us, managerial connections aside, but with every minute he features, he's gradually becoming the club's darling, a pillar of ambition, and if he's purely replicating what's spoken of on the training ground as he takes to the turf, I cannot wait to see what else he can offer when he's well and truly accustomed to the Premier League. He couldn't contain himself after assaulting Henderson's net, he leaped into the arms of his adoring subjects and the harsh reality is that he'll now miss Newcastle United at home on October 1st. He was walking a tightrope anyway, we predicted he'd gain his 5th caution of the campaign so far as a result of an over-invested lunge, but not for unbridled passion after summoning a swirling thunderbastard. The thing is, I wouldn't really want João to tone things down, he's clearly an animal that savours confrontation, his heart beats for conflict and when he's transfixed on parading his superiority, he's honestly the midfielder we've always longed for and he is undoubtedly one of us. How does that Tequila chant go again? Definitely haven't been humming it non-stop all weekend.

Reed finally bags!
It happened! It really, really happened! After two-and-a-bit years with the club, 110 games without gracing the score sheet, Harrison Reed bust the bet in the 60th minute to open his Fulham account and given how clinical his half-volley was, we're all asking the same question: what took him so bloody long!? We know what Reed brings to the table, he's our midfield watchman, his engine's turbocharged but all that's lacked from the special one Iniesta's all-round game was a goal and what a resounding way to break that long-standing duck of his. Arriving late in the penalty area, Harrison timed his run expertly as Bobby Decordova-Reid squeezed his pullback across the danger area and with a simultaneous stride and a slap of the laces, our third of the night was guaranteed. The technique behind his goal is outrageous, if he hadn't adjusted his posture, full flight, he would've shanked it into the terraces but that's exactly how a football should be treated. Spanked, ruthlessly.

I was half expecting chariots of fire to cascade from the night sky, Reed scoring is almost apocalyptic because it's been coming for quiet some time although it's never arisen but thankfully, the only eruption was from the following masses as our relieved No.6 revelled in the moment, his moment to really steal the show. Nobody deserved to bag the eventual winner more than Reed, his patience has been astounding and so often, his efforts usually fly under the radar because we're so used to his remarkable professionalism, he's arguably our most consistent performer and now there's a feather in his cap. If this is to be his first and only goal for Fulham, the importance of his pinger will always be significant. Reed, not the other one for once, is a match winner for the mighty Fulham at long last.

Captain America deputises
This isn't a false alarm or one of those lucid early-morning dreams, no, it's true, Fulham won a top-flight game with Tim Ream filling in at left-back. Slap yourself on side of the face as much as you like, the 35-year-old centre-half guarded his flank in Antonee Robinson's absence with dedication, he blockaded Neco Williams and Brennan Johnson to stem Forest's flow and we even saw the veteran overlap in the final third, particularly in the latter stages, to pin the hosts into the corner flag with the victory in sight. Dropping regular 8/10 outings is a measure of just how far Ream's come under Silva's stewardship, his presence has been reimagined and it seems he's equipped to thrive in any given circumstance.

A dependable component of Silva's defensive line, Ream is willing, ready and able to compete wherever his expertise are needed and in the midst of impending disaster before kick-off, our very own Captain America championed that all-important can-do attitude and he made light work of his unfamiliar duties. It's easy to forget that Tim actually played at left-back during his time at Bolton Wanderers – he was their player of the season in that capacity, in fact – and for a stalwart that isn't blessed with blistering pace or the typical attributes a modern fullback may stockpile, his understanding of the position was studied and after proceedings came to a close, Silva proclamations of the defender were glowing. Ream will do whatever's necessary to stamp his authority, wherever it be beside Tosin or in a differing position, he's prepared to perform to the highest degree possible and as Jedi's fitness status is unknown, as well as Layvin Kurzawa's, we can always rely on Tim to plug the gaps and raise the standard.

Two fine full debuts
Silva had to adapt his line up accordingly and the gaffer's rejig welcomed both Willian and Issa Diop into the starting XI and upon their full Premier League debuts for the club, our two summer signings made atoning impressions from what was first broadcast. We witnessed Diop take to the turf in Fulham colours at Crawley and the less said about that calamitous outing, the better. Willian, on the other hand, had been training with the team for a few weeks in order to regain his fitness and the Brazilian's initial appearance in north London was fairly nondescript. However at a second glance, with an opportunity for our opinions to be rectified for the better, we saw a 34-year-old has-been turn back the years out wide and a West Ham United outcast emerge from the shadows with confidence, and there's surely much more to come from the duo respectively as they integrate further.

Marshalling our back four alongside Tosin, Diop planted his feet and halted alarming patterns before they developed further. The French centre-half was vigilant, he recognised danger and with cunning interceptions as well as deceptive shimmies on the ball, he disarmed Forest's offensive charge without even breaking a hot sweat as many lesser defenders would. He has swagger, he advanced progressively with the ball and he's sure of his ability whilst under fire. The sorry version of himself he unceremoniously portrayed in the Carabao Cup is simply no more. History. Fin.

Perched on the right, occasionally venturing infield, Willian echoed his former self as he foraged for avenues to exploit and while he may not cover ground as briskly as he once did, the former Chelsea and Arsenal winger still caused substantial issues. There's no doubt that Willian will burn slower nowadays, he isn't the explosive fast fuse of yesteryear but in the now, in Silva's evolving system, the attacker was evergreen and he influenced a series of key instances whilst the Whites broke free from Forest's traps. He scurried goal-side, he awaited support in the build-up to our second of the evening and in general, with and without possession, Willian was tidy, flickers of samba style shone through and he will set an example which his teammates will be wise to follow over the coming weeks and months. Second chances are always permissible and crucially, Issa and Willian redeemed themselves and they were both expressive of their qualities.

Negatives
Cook's dismissal denied

What do they even watch at Stockley Park other than funny cat videos on YouTube? Video Assisted Refereeing is a farce, it's good for very little and it isn't implemented properly, at all, when actual scrutiny and consideration's required. There is no way Boly would've made it across to Willian if he wasn't felled by Steve Cook, there was no concerted effort from Forest's centre-half to dispossess Willian within the remit of the law and no matter how you dress it up, Cook's caution should've been a straight sending off.

Willian stole a march on Cook, the winger was ahead of the former Bournemouth defender and as he darted towards the penalty area, Cook cut across Willian's path, caught the wrong side of his target, and the contact was condemning. He was the last man, Willy Boly only recovered because of Willian's upending and in relation to decisions which have warranted reds previously, Cook got off the hook very lightly indeed. The game's parameters are misconstrued, obviously many infringements come with controversy but there's a tool in VAR that's designed specifically to differentiate between honest mistakes and stonewalled scenarios where dismissals are deserved. It's a running trend for Premier League officials to make at least one major gaff each game they take charge of, and there was no exception to that derisory custom on Friday night.

Soft goals shipped
I'd only have bleated on about Forest's goals in greater detail if we'd dropped the dub but as we didn't, I think it's only fair that we unpack them without being overly critical, if it's possible. Having said that, though, the defending on Fulham's part was elementary and it shouldn't be repeated anytime soon. At set-pieces, Fulham are well-drilled but the opener, courtesy of a telegraphed flick across the penalty area, was dispatched because our man-marking – or lack of – was hideously mismatched. I mean, Bobby Decordova-Reid versus Taiwo Awoniyi, that's actually hilarious and it was prayed upon. Fulham stood as Forest pounced, undressing the sequence is basically pointless but we really should do better.

The hosts' second of the night culminated via a swift turnover, Fulham had hardly been tested structurally but as the Garibaldi countered, our awareness was scrambled and it was Tosin who was ultimately culpable. Instead of ridding a low cross from the right, the centre-back's vision blurred and he back heeled the ball into the mixer and Lewis O'Brien punched it home from close range. It was casual from Tosin, he's usually switched-on to his surroundings and it's not as though it was an alien scenario for a defender to encounter, either. Basically, next time, Fuham must launch themselves at detectable corner kicks and they must twit clearances into the floodlights. It's a simple science and if it's respected, it works.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2022-09-17-positives-and-negatives-nottingham-forest-2-3-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Losing £10 million on Issa Diop now seems like an unbelievably good deal for West Ham

West Ham have seemingly struck gold by selling Issa Diop to Fulham for £15 million in the summer transfer window.

The Hammers signed the 25-year-old centre-back from Toulouse in the summer of 2018 for around £25 million (The Mirror).

Despite the fact that West Ham lost £10 million by selling the Frenchman to Fulham, it now seems like a fantastic deal for the East Londoners.

Diop was heavily linked with with an exit from the London Stadium all summer long and he eventually left after David Moyes agreed to sell him for £15 million.

The ex-Toulouse defender has proven time and time again over the past couple of years that he isn't good enough to be playing at the very highest level.

And the Fulham fans are starting to see that now as well...

West Ham selling Issa Diop for £15 million was sensational business
The 25-year-old endured a horrendous debut for Fulham during their Carabao Cup defeat to League Two strugglers Crawley.

In the four Premier League games that Fulham have played since Diop arrived at Craven Cottage, the centre-back has made just one appearance – an 11 minute outing as a substitute during their 2-1 defeat away at Arsenal.

When West Ham sold Diop to Fulham, we warned their fans about how poor he was.

The frustrating thing about him is that he has all of the attributes required to be a success in the Premier League.

Unfortunately for him, and Fulham, his concentration levels and positional sense are quite frankly abysmal.

Perhaps he's just not suited to the Premier League, what with the intensity and speed of the football that is played.

Fulham may well have made a huge mistake by signing the defender.

And at the same time, West Ham selling him for £15 million looks like an absolute masterstroke from the club. That's in spite of the fact that the owners are £10 million down on what they paid for him four years ago. Sometimes it's just better to cut your losses...



https://www.hammers.news/club-news/losing-10-million-on-issa-diop-now-seems-like-an-unbelievably-good-deal-for-west-ham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Journalist thrilled by 'brilliant' Harris contract news

Fulham journalist Peter Rutzler has been left excited by some 'brilliant' player news as youngster Luke Harris signs his first professional contract.

The Lowdown: Big week...
The 17-year-old has been shining at academy level for Fulham in recent seasons, scoring 13 goals and assisting one other in 18 Premier League 2 matches last season.

Harris has continued in that vain over 2022/2023 so far with four goals in just two Under-21 matches this season, prompting Marco Silva's side to give him his just reward.

Indeed, the Welshman has now put pen to paper on his first professional contract at Craven Cottage running until 2025, which perhaps demonstrates Fulham's real faith in the midfielder.

The Latest: Rutzler thrilled...
Harris also earned his first ever call up to the Wales national team recently with journalist Rutzler of The Athletic hailing a 'big week' for the starlet.

The reporter, branding his confirmed first pro deal and Wales nod as 'encouraging' for Fulham, also claims this is 'brilliant news' as he expresses excitement on social media.

The Verdict: Future star?
His impressive goal tally and performances for the Fulham Under-21s have certainly turned enough heads to warrant a senior international call up, potentially making supporters wonder if they have a future star on their hands.

The teenage talent has also appeared for Fulham's first team in the EFL Cup, making his senior debut against Crawley Town in the Carabao last month.

Still very young, Harris may well be one to watch over the next few seasons with both Wales and the Cottagers handing him his chances already.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/fulham-fc-news/fulham-journalist-thrilled-by-brilliant-harris-contract-news/

[WhiteJC]

Duo Expected Back For Fulham With Winger's Return Date Unclear

Newcastle had Bruno Guimaraes back in the lineup for today's 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. However, it was too soon for Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson. Their omission along with the surprise absence of Elliot Anderson handed Eddie Howe limited options up front.

Newcastle needed a spark as ideas in the final third were hard to come by. Anderson would have provided something different from the bench and his youthful determination was sorely missing this afternoon.

Anderson, who was not spotted in Wednesday's training images, missed the game with what Howe described as a 'very minor niggle'. Howe stated Elliot would be fit for the October 1st trip to Fulham. We'll find out if his niggle impacts his availability for the Scotland U21s next week.

Howe also revealed that Wilson is very close to a return. He was not risked today but should be ready to go at Craven Cottage in two weeks. However, the situation with Saint-Maximin is a little murkier as the winger has suffered a setback.

This is what Howe said about his dynamic duo as published in The Northern Echo:

    "Callum's doing very well, we're really pleased with his progress. He was close for today, but I think we made an early decision that it would have been too big a risk.

    "So, we hope that with a bit more time, there's a chance that the next game could be good for him.

    "With Allan, it's slightly different. He's had a very minor setback with the physios, so whether or not he'll be fit after the international break is slightly unclear.

    "It's certainly not long-term, but it's not clear whether he'll be fit for our next game yet."

The injuries to Guimaraes, Wilson, and Saint-Maximin have shown that Newcastle lack strength in depth. Their absences have likely cost valuable points at St. James' Park. Though they should all be ready to go for the packed October schedule.



https://www.nufcblog.com/2022/09/17/duo-expected-back-for-fulham-with-wingers-return-date-unclear/

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest: Steve Cook lucky to avoid red card for last-man foul

It appears as though referee Jarred Gillett and the officials may have made a key error in the most recent Nottingham Forest match.

In their Friday night Premier League fixture, Steve Cooper's men hosted Fulham but were unable to claim all three points on the night as they fell to a 3-2 defeat.

Despite having taken the lead through Taiwo Awoniyi, three goals in six minutes for the visitors was enough to decide the game, although Lewis O'Brien made for a nervy end with his effort that ended up as little more than a consolation.

And even though Forest ended up losing, things could have been a whole lot more complicated. Indeed, in the first half – when the home side were still 1-0 up – Fulham's Willian raced through on goal only to be fouled by Steve Cook.

It looked as though the Brazilian was through on goal, as shown in these images, and so when he was clearly tugged back it could have been viewed as the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity and a red card. However, Gillet opted to hand out just a yellow card.



TIF thoughts on the foul and Nottingham Forest...

Interestingly enough, this isn't the first time Cook has been lucky to end a Forest game without revealing his marching orders following a controversial incident.

Indeed, against Tottenham Hotspur back in August, he somehow avoided a red card for a 'blatant handball' to deny Harry Kane from scoring, even though the foul was noted and a penalty was given.

In the end, the decision that went against Fulham in this most recent game didn't stop the Cottagers from claiming all three points. But the scoreline could have been much worse for Forest had Cook been sent. On top of that, the following suspension would naturally have also meant losing the centre-back for future games too.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2022/09/blogs/premier-league/nottingham-forest-news-nffc-results-steve-cook-red-card-foul-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Borges ends Fulham U21s unbeaten start
A late strike from William Borges ended Fulham under 21's unbeaten start to the Premier League 2 season as Manchester City edged a tight encounter at their Academy Stadium this afternoon. The hosts had the better of the second half and their incessant pressure paid off with fourteen minutes to play when the Portuguese winger found the bottom corner with a fine right-footed finish.

Alex Borto – excellent again throughout – made a superb save to prevent Borges from doubling City's lead four minutes later but Fulham's pursuit of an equaliser in the time that remained proved unsuccessful. Steve Wigley's side had matched their illustrious opponents for much of a fascinating tactical tussle but will now have to bounce back from a narrow defeat against Everton after the international break on 30 September.

The Whites had made a promising start, pressing their hosts from the outset, with the energetic running of Terry Ablade to the fore. City gradually found ways through the press with Will Dickson testing Borto with a low drive from the edge of the area. Fulham were forced into a fair bit of last-ditch defending to preserve their clean sheet, with Charlie Robinson and Matt Dibley-Dias making vital clearances, but the clearest opening came at the other end, with Terry Ablade denied by a fine save from Mikki van Sas and then seeing a goal correctly chalked off for offside.

City began the second period on the foot front and Kieran Breckin spurned a very presentable chance to put them ahead. Oscar Bobb then raced past several defenders to fashion a glorious opportunity but the nippy Norwegian inexplicably failed to test Borto at all. Ollie O'Neill led Fulham's threat on the counter attack, but the Whites had a lucky escape midway through the second half, with Dickson shot wide with it seemingly simpler to slot into the net after excellent approach play from Dire Mebude.

Borges eventually broke the deadlock with a precise finish to end Fulham's flawless start at this level after promotion last season. It was probably what City's dominance of possession deserved on the balance of the play, but the young Whites will be disappointed to have not been able to take a share of spoils back to London.

MANCHESTER CITY ELITE DEVELOPMENT SQUAD (4-3-3): van Sas, Lewis, Burns (Samuel 66), Taylor, Wilson-Esbrand; Adam (66′ Mebude), Charles, Breckin; Bobb, Dickson (89′ Ogwuru), Borges. Subs (not used): Knight, Smith.

GOAL: Borges (74).

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Borto; D'Auria-Henry, Araujo (Williams 80), C.Robinson, McAvoy; O'Neill, Pajaziti (Sekularac 81); Godo (McFarlane 71), Harris, Dibley-Dias, Ablade (Bowat 81). Subs (not used): McNally.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/09/borges-ends-fulham-u21s-unbeaten-start/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham are a force to reckoned with
Last night's win at Nottingham Forest was a sight to see. Here, Fulham were true to Marco Silva's ideals. He might share little else with one of his illustrious predecessors, but the Portuguese coach's philosophy is almost identical to Kevin Keegan. Silva backs his players to keep the ball and score one more than the opposition. We saw that most clearly in the local derby against Brentford earlier in the season – where the Whites continued to pour numbers forward when the percentage play was to shut up shop. Fulham lost a two-goal lead and were indebted to Aleksandar Mitrovic's extraordinary header for retrieving the bragging rights.

But last night's clash encapsulated Silva's approach most clearly, particularly with Fulham under pressure after conceding a poor goal from a set play. Nobody should be allowed to win two free headers in your own box at a corner – and it was alarmingly easy for Forest to take the lead. Jared Gillett still isn't my favourite Premier League referee after his errors at Arsenal and it seems very strange that he missed Brennan Johnson almost pulling Tim Ream's shirt off as he crossed the halfway line in the build up. Given that the VAR went back a long way to penalise Arsenal for a foul at Old Trafford recently, one wonders why there was no check on that.

The more contentious decision was opting for a yellow for Steve Cook after he cynically chopped down Willian as the Brazilian winger bore down on the penalty area. Silva seethed on the sidelines, not just about those decisions, but more pertinently at Fulham's failure to move the ball quickly and prise open a Forest back line that hasn't been watertight in the early weeks of the season. His decision to deploy Tim Ream as a left back – an experiment that was an unmitigated disaster in the Kit Symons era – highlighted a reluctance to depart from the preferred 4-2-3-1 as well as serious confident in the American veteran's ability. The sight of a 34 year-old Ream – who now leads the league in interceptions – bringing out the tricks at the corner flag deep into stoppage time will live long in the memory. Was Gregg Berhelter watching?

Silva certainly was. His faith in his selections meant there were no substitutions at half time, despite Fulham dominating the ball and still being behind. The head coach rationalised that if his side kept probing and moved the ball quicker, the opportunities would come. He was proved right in dramatic fashion – with three strikes in six minutes making the Whites comparable to London buses, or an Avanti West Coast train if you prefer a more modern analogy. The crucial role that Willian, a signing that I expressed some scepticism about, played in at least two of the goals underlined what the former Arsenal and Chelsea wide man can offer – even at 34 years old.

The first goal was all about Willian's wicked delivery. His inch-perfect ball for Tosin Adarabioyo to attack at the back post suggests that Andreas Pereira shouldn't have a monopoly on Fulham's corners. The other elements of Fulham's success from dead balls were all in evidence: Aleksandar Mitrovic, whose influence on proceedings shouldn't be diluted by the fact that Serbian didn't appear on the scoresheet, delivering the perfect block on Ryan Yates to give Adarabioyo ample time to head home his first Premier League goal.

You could the fragility in Forest after that concession. They collapsed alarmingly here recently against Bournemouth, but nothing quite as dramatically as what followed. Joao Palhinha's superb strike will hog the headlines but Fulham patiently worked the ball into a promising area and the wonderfully weighted cut back from Kenny Tete, allowed the Portuguese to opt for a sidefoot over pure power. His passion, which inadvertently robs Fulham of his services on the other side of the international break, makes him an instant crowd favourite – but Palhinha's goal threat is valuable, allied to all of his diligent defensive work.

The clinching third goal was a work of art. Few of the pundits have picked up on the sumptuous pass from Mitrovic that set Bobby Decordova-Reid scampering along the right flank, but it was threaded through with the sort of nonchalance that might have reminded older fans of Johnny Haynes – and there can be no higher compliment for a Fulham player. Decordova-Reid did brilliantly to get his head up on the byline and find Reed lurking at the far post and the special one from Worthing finally broke his duck with a delicious finish. Of course, Forest scored to add anxiety to the final quarter of an hour, but this Fulham side are built different to their fragile forebears.

If we need empirical evidence, consider the fact that this is Fulham's second best start to a Premier League season. Only the Chris Coleman side that started off like a train in 2003/04, collecting fourteen points from seven games, has done better. They were powered by the predatory instincts of Louis Saha, who left for Manchester United in January. The parallels with that team – also heavily tipped for the drop – are strong. The travelling contingent sung about going a European tour after the final whistle, but Silva wisely will look to temper expectations within the playing squad. All that remains to say is that the Whites look in safer hands with the Portuguese than at any point in the recent history. Luke Harris's contract was a lovely Friday fillip, but the man most deserving of a new deal is the one in the dugout.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/09/fulham-are-a-force-to-reckoned-with/

[WhiteJC]

Premier League 2022/23: Nottingham Forest vs Fulham – data viz, stats and insights

Friday night saw Nottingham Forest vs Fulham in the Premier League.

We've broken down all the key stats for you to digest in this tactical analysis and provide insights around;

    * shot maps
    * pass flow
    * heatmaps
    * defensive actions
    * average positions and much more!

We also try to answer some questions for you with the visuals;

Who was Fulham's biggest threat? Who made the most recoveries in the opposition half? Who had the highest xG in the match?

To navigate the stats gallery simply click on the numbers to move through the pages.




























https://totalfootballanalysis.com/data-analysis/premier-league-2022-23-nottingham-forest-vs-fulham-data-viz-stats-and-insights