Monday Fulham Stuff - 10/10/22...

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Results

Sunday
Palace	2-1	Leeds
West Ham	3-1	Fulham
Arsenal	3-2	Liverpool
Everton	1-2	Man Utd

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West Ham United 3-1 Fulham

Gianluca Scamacca scored for a third successive game as West Ham came from behind to beat Fulham.

Fulham led after six minutes as Andreas Pereira fired in from a tight angle.

But Pereira then fouled Craig Dawson from a corner, Jarrod Bowen scoring the penalty.

Scamacca missed a series of good chances but netted when it counted as he lobbed Bernd Leno, before a defensive mix-up presented Michail Antonio with the third.

Fulham took the lead with the first major attack of the game - Kurt Zouma failed to close down Pereira on the left side of the West Ham box, and the Brazilian beat Łukasz Fabianski for power with his shot high into the net from a tight angle.

In an entertaining first half full of chances, Daniel James cracked the crossbar from 20 yards with a dipping left foot shot, before Scamacca missed a trio of opportunities to draw West Ham level.

The Hammers equalised instead from the penalty spot, with Pereira going from hero to villain as he barged Dawson to the floor from a corner. Bowen slotted the spot kick to Bernd Leno's right.

Scamacca missed another headed chance from six yards, however he finally found the net in superb fashion by chipping Leno, with the goal given after a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) check.

He was replaced by Antonio with 10 minutes to go, and the sub finished the game in comical fashion - after his initial shot was saved by Leno, the German keeper and Tim Ream got in each other's way trying to clear, inadvertently presenting the striker with an open goal to finish.

Scattergun Scamacca finds the target
Having had to bide his time following his £32m move from Sassuolo in the summer, Scamacca now has six goals in 12 games for West Ham.

After netting against Wolves last weekend and the winner against Anderlecht on Thursday, the Italian was the Hammers' main man once again.

He could - perhaps should - have scored several more. On 16 minutes he headed down a driven Paqueta cross from eight yards while unmarked which, while Leno brilliantly scooped it out from near his boot, he should have guided further away from the keeper.

Before the 25th minute Scamacca had missed two more chances, dragging a one on one narrowly wide of the far post before sending another header straight at Leno.

Five minutes after the break he missed another free header, this time from only six yards - yet when the toughest chance came, after being put through by Paqueta with a lovely chipped through ball, he kept his nerve to scoop it over the goalie.

Scamacca did not immediately celebrate and was subjected to a VAR check of several minutes, which looked at whether he was offside or had handled the ball. With no clear evidence to disallow for either reason, the goal was given - and the Italian finally celebrated wildly with fans.

It encapsulated Scamacca's Premier League career so far - a slow start peppered with what-ifs, finally coming good. He is the first West Ham striker to score in his opening two home starts at London Stadium - fans will hope the club's recent poor run of forward signings is at an end.

For West Ham it continues their dominance over Fulham - they have won their last five Premier League games against the Cottagers, while David Moyes has now won 14 of his 15 games against them.

It also means they have won consecutive league matches for the first time since January, further raising hopes a difficult start is behind them.

Mitrovic missed as Fulham frustrated
It was a frustrating afternoon for Marco Silva, who was booked for his remonstrations with the officials after the Scamacca goal was given. Fulham started well but faded after West Ham equalised.

Things could have been very different - Pereira was busy in the opening stages and took his goal brilliantly, his first Premier League strike in two years and 333 days since scoring for Manchester United against Brighton in November 2019.

And had James' 20-yard dipper on 13 minutes been a few inches lower, the story of the game would surely have been different.

Instead this game shows how much Fulham miss Aleksandar Mitrovic when the Serbian bruiser is unavailable. He was absent for this game after aggravating a foot injury last week against Newcastle, and replacement Carlos Vinicius was unremarkable.

Silva also has problems to solve at the other end of the pitch. Fulham have kept just one clean sheet in the past 22 top-flight away meetings, conceding 52 goals.

Comedy mix-ups such as the one between Leno and Ream for West Ham's third aside, Fulham were picked apart regularly and had Scamacca had his sights aligned all game, they could have conceded several more.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63106178

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Post-West Ham Press Conference

Fulham's defeat by West Ham United was a difficult one for Marco Silva to swallow.

The Whites began well and almost followed up Andreas Pereira's stunning opener with another when Dan James hit the crossbar.

But the Hammers restored parity through Jarrod Bowen's penalty after Andreas was penalised, before securing the three points in the second through Gianluca Scamacca and Michail Antonio.

"Tough match for us, a tough result, I have to say," Silva stated. "I think we started the game really well.

"The way we were playing, you could see we were creating some problems for them, which we've been working on and we did it well.

"We managed the ball well in the first moments of the game, but we know they are a team that can punish you whenever they have the ball.

"Until the penalty, I think we were clearly the best team on the pitch. A great strike from James gave us the chance to score the second, they had one good [chance] as well.

"When they equalised the game with the penalty it was a boost for them and the game was much more balanced after that.

"They started better than us second half and had two or three dangerous moments, but I think we came again and balanced the game more. The second goal had a huge impact on the game."

If the penalty decision was debatable, the goals in the second half were hugely controversial, with VAR deciding to let Scamacca's handball slide, while a similar infringement from Antonio also went unpunished.

"It's another clear handball from Antonio for the third goal," Silva said. "It's tough to understand but I don't want to talk about the referee because I know [that would mean] I would not be on the bench for the next game, and I want to be on the bench for the next game with my players to embrace another challenge.

"I told my players that these things unfortunately can happen and we have to show more maturity to deal with some situations of the game, when the pressure is coming higher.

"The penalty moment is a good example, when the referee spoke with Andreas. Let's hope this type of situation, when blocks happen in the opposition box, will come some penalties for us. I hope.

"It's tough for the referee. He was so embarrassed, like myself, when he saw [the replay] on the screen.

"It's difficult for him to say something more. The decision came from VAR and he has to respect that decision.

"But I saw on his face when I spoke to him after the match, he was embarrassed, because he saw on the screen like I and everyone saw.

"It is what it is, it's something that we can't control. We have to keep working hard, we know it will not be an easy journey for us.

"Let's hope the next few weeks at least the decisions are more balanced for both teams."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/09/post-west-ham-press-conference/

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27-year-old was absolutely awful for West Ham, was mainly to blame for Fulham goal

Kurt Zouma made an appalling error that led to Fulham taking the lead against West Ham United at the London Stadium this afternoon.

Sure, Lukasz Fabianski should have done better than he did from Andreas Pereira's shot.

The annoying thing is that the Fulham ace shouldn't have got anywhere near the position that he ended up in.

And he certainly shouldn't have had that much space with which to work.

We do make it really hard for ourselves sometimes don't we!

West Ham centre-back Kurt Zouma caused a lot of our early problems against Fulham today. Who knows, perhaps he just isn't fit enough?

We recently highlighted how the Frenchman just doesn't seem to be physically robust enough, with concerns about his troublesome knee ongoing.

And he just didn't look anywhere near his best today against the Cottagers...

Kurt Zouma drops clanger during West Ham vs Fulham
The 27-year-old centre-back should have done so much better when Pereira was running with the ball towards the Hammers' goal.

Fulham's lead was certainly a surprise one, and it should never have been allowed to happen.

It really was poor defending from the Frenchman. He gave the Fulham ace far too much space and time on the ball.

Zouma should have been so much tighter to Pereira, and he he done that, he wouldn't have been able to get a shot in on our goal as easily as he did.

At this level, you rarely see centre-backs step off from attackers like Zouma did with Pereira today.

Fabianski's role in the Fulham goal was really poor. The fact that Alphonse Areola is just sitting on our bench for Premier League games is incredibly frustrating.

In my opinion though, Zouma's role in the goal was even worse than Fabianski's.

West Ham got off to the worst possible start this afternoon. Thankfully though, the Hammers attackers bailed out our defenders.

Zouma really does need to raise his levels now, if he is to keep his place int he West Ham team.



https://www.hammers.news/match-report/27-year-old-was-absolutely-awful-for-west-ham-was-mainly-to-blame-for-fulham-goal/

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'The stupidest act on a field': Michael Owen rages at how West Ham player was treated today

Michael Owen has claimed that Andreas Pereira's treatment towards Craig Dawson during West Ham United's 3-1 win over Fulham on Sunday was 'the stupidest act I have seen on a football field', as he told Premier League Productions (09/10/22 at 2:55 pm).

The attacking midfielder had put Fulham into the lead after only five minutes, but he was costing his team at the other end 20 or so minutes later.

David Moyes' side had a corner and Pereira could be seen trying to wrestle and stop Dawson in his tracks, added to the fact that he wasn't also looking at the ball.

The former Manchester United player was then warned by on-field referee Chris Kavanagh to get his act together.

But less than 20 seconds later, he was seen throwing Dawson to the ground as another corner came in, which left the official with no choice but to award the spot-kick.

That moment ended up proving costly because, not only did Jarrod Bowen score from the spot, but summer signing Gianluca Scamacca continued his fine form by scoring his side's second, before Michail Antonio came off the bench to also add his name to the team sheet.

Nonetheless, given the warning to Pereira, former England striker Owen just couldn't understand his actions towards Dawson by the Fulham midfielder.

"Well, in isolation the foul isn't the worst foul I have seen," said Owen. "It's not the 100% most stonewall penalty I have ever seen.

"But when you look at this sequence. The referee warns him, then all the fans are shouting, and the players are making a song and dance about it.

"Bearing in mind all those things, it has to be possibly the stupidest act on a football field or one of them I have ever seen.

"He is basically telling the whole world just watch what I am about to do, then goes and does it. Absolute insanity what he does."

WEST HAM STARTING TO CLIMB
After a pretty abject start to the season for the Hammers, they are starting to pick up and climb the table.

That's three wins on the bounce since their return from the international break and they are now just touching distance from those European places, as well as continuing their fine form in the European Conference League in midweek.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/10/09/the-stupidest-act-on-a-field-michael-owen-rages-at-how-west-ham-player-was-treated-today/

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Hammers VARy VARy lucky in overcoming unlucky Fulham

Wow! They say fortune balances out over time.  Hammers fans have felt very hard done by in recent seasons with a host of dodgy VAR decisions robbing them of crucial points in their annual European quest.

Not so today as Moyes' men enjoyed three close calls to overturn Fulham's early strike and run out 3-1 winners in a competitive clash.

First up, West ham were gifted a soft penalty after some run of the mills precorner antics where Craig Dawson hit the deck and the ref pointed to the spot!

Then, Gianluca Scamacca deftly lobbed the keeper but it appeared that the ball had (perhaps) brushed off his hand before falling to his foot. After a prolonged VAR break the goal stood!

Then in stoppage time Michail Antonio pushed past a flimsy Fulham defence but also seemed to control the ball with his hand.

In the end, it's a valuable win and we are up to 13th with our first back to back Premiership wins in yonks and three wins in a week!

Poor Fulham though - in all honesty, they looked like a decent Premiership outfit and our money is on them staying well clear of relegation troubles as the season progresses.

COYI!!!



http://www.verywestham.com/2022/10/hammers-vary-vary-lucky-in-overcoming.html

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furious Fulham fume and want West Ham goal chalked off for Gianluca Scamacca handball but VAR let it stand after lengthy check

Fulham were left fuming by West Ham's second goal on Sunday after being convinced Gianluca Scamacca had handled the ball.

The match was finely poised at 1-1 with Andreas Pereira's strike cancelled out by a Jarrod Bowen penalty.


The ball appeared to hit Scamacca's arm before it went in

The Hammers got their noses in front after 62 minutes through their Italian striker, but it was hugely controversial.

Lucas Paqueta played a delightful ball through to Scamacca, who was in acres of space.

The ball bounced up and seemingly hit his arm, before he cooly dinked it over Bernd Leno.

The Fulham goalkeeper and players all stopped playing, while Scamacca himself did not celebrate the goal.

It seemed sure to be chalked out by VAR. The offside was first checked and he was on by the narrowest of margins.

After dozens of replays to check the handball, the VAR official awarded the goal.

This left Fulham fuming and boss Marco Silva then spent the next couple of minutes remonstrating with the referee.

"You can't tell conclusively on that. It's not clear and obvious," talkSPORT host Perry Groves said.

The Hammers went on to win the match 3-1 with Michail Antonio coming off the bench to score.



https://talksport.com/football/1214915/

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Gianluca Scamacca's controversial goal helps West Ham secure derby delight against Fulham
Italian striker appeared to handle the ball in the lead-up to West Ham's second goal

West Ham 3 Fulham 1
West Ham earned their second consecutive win in the league after fighting back to defeat Fulham, who were unhappy that the decisive goal from Gianluca Scamacca in the second half was not disallowed.

This was an entertaining London derby, one that could have gone either way, but it was defined by the moment when Scamacca's second league goal for his new side was allowed to stand. It was a debatable VAR call and Fulham were furious. They saw a handball from the Italian striker, who produced an insouciant finish after a lovely pass from Lucas Paquetá, but the officials favoured the attacking team. West Ham would not complain.

The initial sense was that David Moyes's side had not completely put their recent difficulties behind them. They were slow out of the blocks, unable to assert themselves in midfield, and it was not long before Fulham provided a compelling answer to questions about how they would fare without the injured Aleksandar Mitrovic leading the line.

Fulham refused to let the absence of their main goalscorer diminish their sense of adventure. There was a first start in attack for Carlos Vinícius, who has a point to prove after enduring a forgettable season on loan at Tottenham two years ago, and there was much to enjoy about the way Marco Silva's side took the game to West Ham. The passing was brisk, the pressing energetic, and they were ahead in the fifth minute, the home side's lethargy punished when a counterattack from Fulham culminated in Andreas Pereira embarrassing Lukasz Fabianski from a tight angle.

It was a smart goal, sparked by a West Ham attack breaking down and Neeskens Kebano escaping on the left. Kebano kept things moving by playing the ball down the line for Pereira and Kurt Zouma was not quick enough to engage the Fulham midfielder, who punished the centre back by unleashing a left-footed shot that flew through Fabianski's hands.

West Ham were all over the place. Pereira soon threatened again, testing Fabianski with a free-kick, and there could have been further joy for Fulham in the 14th minute. Again West Ham stood off, watching their opponents weave pretty patterns in front of them. This time Daniel James decided to have a go, dribbling into space 20 yards from goal and letting fly with a drive that crashed against the bar.

Prowling around his technical area, Moyes began to rip into his players. Suddenly there was a response. Paquetá, who offered plenty of neat touches but occasionally over-elaborated, prised Fulham apart with a clever dinked cross. The ball floated over Tim Ream and through to Scamacca, whose downward header drew a fine save from Bernd Leno.

West Ham were warming up. Paquetá came alive again, holding off João Palhinha and releasing Scamacca, who shot just wide. Fulham, who still looked dangerous on the break, were beginning to look more open. Bobby Decordova-Reid was an obvious weakness as a makeshift right back. West Ham repeatedly targeted the 29-year-old forward and should have levelled when the overlapping Aaron Cresswell crossed from the left, only for Leno to come to the rescue with more heroics, saving another Scamacca header and somehow shovelling the rebound from Jarrod Bowen behind for a corner.

A sense of panic started to grip Fulham's defence, epitomised by Pereira's desperate attempts to stick with Craig Dawson as Bowen prepared to deliver the corner. It was almost as if Pereira was trying to foul West Ham's towering centre back. The Brazilian was repeatedly warned about grappling before the corner was taken and he was still doing it when Bowen lifted the ball into the box, giving Chris Kavanagh no option but to point to the spot.

Fulham's complaints fell on deaf ears. Ultimately the question for Silva was why Pereira was marking Dawson, who had a clear height advantage. It was asking for trouble and West Ham made the most of the free gift, Bowen dragging them level by sending Leno the wrong way with a cool penalty.

Now it was tougher for Fulham. West Ham pushed in the second half and they had the ball in the net in the 62nd minute, although nobody was quite sure if the goal was going to stand. Fulham had been carved apart by a scoop from Paquetá, but there was little reaction from Scamacca after he finally beat Leno with a glorious chip that hung in the air before dropping into the net.

Was he offside? Had he controlled with his hand? Michael Salisbury, the VAR, checked for both infringements and West Ham steeled themselves for disappointment, only for Fulham to react with disbelief when Kavanagh was instructed that the goal should stand.

Fulham's bench erupted again when they saw a replay of the goal on the big screens, but the officials had not been able to detect a handball from Scamacca. Silva was booked. He simmered down and tried to lift his team with some attacking substitutions; one of them, Tom Cairney, was unfortunate to see a goalbound drive blocked by Cresswell.

The game had run away from Fulham. Moyes tightened his defence, shifting to a back five by replacing Paquetá with Emerson Palmieri, and West Ham sealed their second consecutive win when Michail Antonio, who had replaced Scamacca, made it 3-1 in stoppage time. – Guardian



https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2022/10/09/gianluca-scamaccas-controversial-goal-helps-west-ham-secure-derby-delight-against-fulham/

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David Moyes responds after VAR controversy during Gianluca Scamacca's West Ham goal vs Fulham

West Ham United were 3-1 winners over London rivals Fulham on Sunday afternoon, but there was a lengthy delay in the second half when Gianluca Scamacca's goal was reviewed by VAR before being given

West Ham United boss David Moyes believes that Gianluca Scamacca's goal against Fulham was correctly awarded following a lengthy VAR check.

During the Hammers' 3-1 win over their London rivals at the London Stadium on Sunday, Scamacca made it 2-1 midway through the second half, chipping over Bernd Leno to score after being played through by Lucas Paqueta.

VAR checked the goal, first for offside and secondly for handball, although referee Chris Kavanagh awarded the goal after a lengthy stoppage in play.

Speaking on the decision, Moyes believes that the right call was made, despite fearing that the goal would be overturned after a lengthy pause.

"I have seen it back. I saw a little bit at the touchline and I saw it when it came on the big screen," said Moyes. "When I saw it, I thought he hadn't celebrated because he thought he was offside, but he told me they were onside.

"I've seen it since and he sort of controls it, it comes down the side and if anything, it looks like it is going to hit his backside on the right side. From my point of view, I don't see a hand involved in it at all. If you are Fulham, you are going to say you see a hand involved in it.

"I can't see anything which changed the direction of the ball, I can't see anything which had a huge impact. I know the rules now, anything which is a touch of the hand would lead to it. I didn't see it and it took such a long time, I thought it was going to go against us, but it went for us."

Andreas Pereira had given Fulham an early lead before Jarrod Bowen equalised in the first half from the penalty spot. Second half goals from Scamacca and Michail Antonio earned West Ham three points.



https://www.football.london/west-ham-united-fc/moyes-var-west-ham-fulham-25218093

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Fulham boss Marco Silva claims referee was 'embarrassed' at award of controversial West Ham goal

Fulham boss Marco Silva believes referee Chris Kavanagh was "embarrassed" by the award of West Ham's controversial second goal in Sunday's derby defeat at the London Stadium.

The Cottagers led early on through Andreas Pereira's strike but a brainless foul from the same player on Craig Dawson allowed Jarrod Bowen to equalise from the penalty spot for the home side.

The real moment of controversy came, however, when Gianluca Scamacca put the Hammers ahead, lifting Lucas Paqueta's pass over Fulham 'keeper Bernd Leno.

After a lengthy VAR check, first for offside and then for a possible handball against the Italian, Kavanagh was told the goal could stand and was not asked to review the decision on the pitch side monitor.

The incident was then shown on the two big screens inside the ground, prompting fury from Fulham fans and players, while Silva was booked for his own touchline remonstrations.

"It's a difficult moment for the referee, definitely," Silva said. "In open play I didn't see it and of course for him it's tough to see as well.

"But he was so embarrassed, like myself, when he saw it on the screen. It's difficult for him to say something more. The decision came from someone on the VAR and he has to respect that decision but I saw on his face when I spoke to him after the match that he was embarrassed because he saw it on the screen like I saw it and everyone saw it as well."

While Silva was furious with the officiating for Scamacca's effort, he had his only his own players to blame for the two other goals conceded, with Pereira's foul on Dawson coming seconds after he had been specifically warned by Kavanagh for grappling with the centre-back. Then, in stoppage time, Michail Antonio was gifted a clincher after a mix-up between Bernd Leno and Tim Ream.

West Ham boss David Moyes said afterwards that he would have been "really annoyed" had one of his players committed Pereira's foul but Silva was slightly less harsh in his assessment.

"I told our players that these things unfortunately will happen and we have to show more maturity to deal with some situations in the games when the pressure is getting higher," he added.

"The penalty moment is a good example, pressure from the crowd, first moment, second moment when the referee spoke with Andreas as well, you have to show the maturity."

Victory for the Hammers made it three wins in the space of nine days since the international break and after a sluggish start to the season, their campaign is gathering momentum.

Moyes, meanwhile, insisted he felt the decision to allow Scamacca's effort to stand was correct but feared it would be chalked off as the wait for a verdict stretched on.

"I have seen it back. I saw a little bit at the touchline and I saw it when it came on the big screen," said Moyes.

"When I saw it, I thought he hadn't celebrated because he thought he was offside, but he told me they were onside. I've seen it since and he sort of controls it, it comes down the side and if anything, it looks like it is going to hit his backside on the right side.

"From my point of view, I don't see a hand involved in it at all. If you are Fulham, you are going to say you see a hand involved in it.

"I can't see anything which changed the direction of the ball, I can't see anything which had a huge impact. I know the rules now, anything which is a touch of the hand would lead to it. I didn't see it and it took such a long time, I thought it was going to go against us, but it went for us."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-west-ham-fulham-goal-var-b1031343.html

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Fulham boss slams 'embarrassing' VAR decision in West Ham win

Marco Silva claimed referee Chris Kavanagh was "embarrassed" by the VAR decision to allow West Ham's crucial second goal in their 3-1 Premier League win over Fulham.

Gianluca Scamacca scored with a brilliant chip over Bernd Leno but did not celebrate it as even he appeared to think it would be disallowed.

Yet VAR studied the replays, first for offside and then handball, for around three minutes before deciding the goal should stand, prompting a touchline meltdown from Fulham boss Silva, who was booked for his angry protests.

Kavanagh did not go to the pitchside monitor to look at the replays himself, with VAR Michael Salisbury making the decision.

Silva said: "I don't want to talk about the referee because I know that I will not be on the bench in the next game and I want to be on the bench to be with my players.

"It's a difficult moment for the referee, definitely. In open play I didn't see it and of course for him, it's tough to see as well.

"But he was so embarrassed, like myself, when he saw it on the screen. It's difficult for him to say something more.

"The decision came from someone on the VAR and he has to respect that decision, but I saw on his face when I spoke to him after the match that he was embarrassed because he saw it on the screen like I saw it and everyone saw it as well."

Even Hammers manager David Moyes feared the goal might not have stood.

"I thought he hadn't celebrated because it was offside," said Moyes.

"From my point of view, I don't see a hand involved in it.

"With Fulham, you're going to say 'you definitely see a hand'. I can't see anything which changes the direction of the ball. It took such a long time, I thought it was going to go against us in the end, but it went for us."

Fulham led through Andreas Pereira's first goal for the club but when he foolishly gave away a penalty by continually blocking Craig Dawson, having been spoken to twice by Kavanagh, Jarrod Bowen levelled from the spot.

"The penalty moment is a good example," added Silva.

"The pressure from the crowd, first moment, second moment when the referee spoke with Andreas as well, you have to show the maturity."

Scamacca's strike knocked the stuffing out of Fulham and Hammers substitute Michail Antonio broke away to score a third.

But summer signings Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta, the Brazil playmaker, were the undoubted stars of the show.

"What Gianluca is showing is that he's not a one-trick pony when it comes to goalscoring," said Moyes.

"He's a young striker coming into this country who we spent a lot of money on - although not as much as some teams have spent - who is doing really well and will get better.

"And any centre-forward would want to play with Paqueta, bits of him today were terrific."



https://www.newhamrecorder.co.uk/sport/west-ham-united-fulham-reaction-9318562

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Fulham boss Marco Silva claims referee Chris Kavanagh was 'embarrassed' by VAR decision to allow Gianluca Scamacca's goal after replay on big screen at London Stadium showed handball by West Ham striker in build-up

    Fulham were furious after watching a replay of the goal on the big screen
    VAR was not convinced Gianluca Scamacca had used his hand to control the ball
    Marco Silva was booked for his protests after the goal was allowed to stand

Fulham boss Marco Silva said referee Chris Kavanagh was 'embarrassed' after seeing replays of Gianluca Scamacca's goal on the big screens, insisting it showed a clear handball in the build-up.

Over the course of a strange three minutes, Scamacca's lob was studied by VAR Michael Salisbury, who wanted proof that the West Ham striker used his hand to control the ball. When Salisbury could not find a clear angle, the goal was allowed to stand and the Hammers took a 2-1 lead.

The London Stadium's big screens showed the replays – as they do for every goal – and that infuriated Fulham's players, coaches, staff and supporters, who complained to Kavanagh.


VAR Michael Salisbury was not convinced Gianluca Scamacca had used his hand to control the ball in the build-up to West Ham's second goal


Fulham were furious after watching a replay of the goal on the big screen at London Stadium

They insisted it showed Scamacca handling the ball before lobbing Bernd Leno, though the referee was never sent to his pitch-side monitor to take a look for himself.

Silva initially copied Jose Mourinho in his post-match press conference, claiming if he speaks he will be in trouble, but the Fulham boss did comment: 'He (Kavanagh) was so embarrassed, like myself, when he saw it on the screen. It's difficult for him to say something more.

'The decision came from someone on the VAR and he has to respect that decision but I saw on his face when I spoke to him after the match that he was embarrassed because he saw it on the screen like I saw it and everyone else saw it as well.'

Asked about Kavanagh, Silva continued: 'I will not speak about the referee, sorry, because they will probably come after me and I'll be off the bench or pay a fine. I am not here for that. I am here to manage my players. I will not say to you what I think. Can I ask you what you think? Even for the third goal there was a handball about five seconds before. Congratulations to West Ham.'

West Ham manager David Moyes disagreed that Scamacca handled the ball, saying: 'I saw it when it came on the big screens. I don't see a hand involved in it. With Fulham, you're going to say you definitely see a hand. But I can't see anything which changes the direction of the ball.

'It took such a long time, I thought it was going to go against us in the end, but it went for us.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11296967/Fulham-boss-Silva-claims-referee-Kavanagh-embarrassed-VAR-decision-allow-Scamaccas-goal.html

[WhiteJC]

Scamacca and Antonio hand Hammers victory
Marco Silva was seething after the final whistle at the London Stadium. A makeshift Fulham side were in the game, even after a moment of stupidity from Andreas Pereira cancelled out his earlier bit of brilliance, and more than playing their part in an entertaining London derby. The Fulham head coach, like everyone else of a black and white persuasion, was furious that Gianluca Scamacca's lofted finish over Bernd Leno was allowed to stand after the Italian used his hand and elbow to control Lucas Pacqueta's ball over the visiting back line. The VAR, Michael Salisbury, ruled that there wasn't enough of an infringement to instruct the referee, Chris Kavanagh, to alter his decision or view the incident for himself. You have to wonder what he was watching.

To add insult to injury, as Fulham were in the midst of a mighty push to find an equaliser in added time, substitute Michail Antonio used a hand to propel the ball away from Joao Palhinha on his way to scrambling in a third that finally killed off the Cottagers. Fulham fans with decent memories will recall Chicharito punching in a goal in the pre-VAR days the last time the Whites took the lead here, so there is at least precedent for illegal use of the arm: but for the officials to miss two big calls underlines the problems the Premier League currently has with officiating.

Fulham also vigorously protested the penalty decision that brought West Ham level after a decidedly jittery start, but they were on much thinner ice here. Kavanagh had already warned both Craig Dawson and Pereira about their grappling at a corner twice before the Brazilian decided to continue wrestling with the West Ham defender in a fashion more appropriate to Tony Khan's AEW – and a spot-kick was the clear conclusion. You have to ask why an attacking midfielder, hardly noted for his heading ability, was marking one of West Ham's main aerial threats. There was an inevitability, too, about Jarrod Bowen – a player nurtured by Silva at Hull City – sending Leno the wrong way from twelve yards once all the bickering had died down.

Until that point, David Moyes had prowled his technical affair tetchily. The Scot might have thought his side had overcome their early-season hiccups after Bowen got off the mark against Wolves last weekend. That confidence was bolstered by a continental win on Thursday that continued the Hammers' 100% start in Europe, but they were badly off the pace in the first twenty minutes. Fulham made let of an injury crisis that had robbed them of their two senior right backs – forcing Bobby Decordova-Reid to deputise there – and the talismanic Aleksandar Mitrovic by taking the game to their hosts from the off.

Carlos Vinicius, on his first league start for the Whites, began the flowing move that saw them stun the Hammers' hordes into silence just five minutes in. The Brazilian found Neeskens Kebano free on the left flank and Pereira, bursting onto the Congolese winger's perceptive pass, surged into the area. The angle was against him, but the former Manchester United midfielder unleashed a venomous strike that flew through Lukasz Fabianski and into the far corner of the goal. It was a wonderful way to open his account for the Whites – and sparked wild celebrations in the away end.

West Ham were wobbling and were fortunate not to be dealt a knockout blow afterwards. Fabianski did manage to fist away a Pereira free-kick after Kebano was chopped down whilst breezing along the left wing, but the Polish veteran got nowhere near Dan James' 20-yarder that clattered off the crossbar after the home defence had stood off the Welsh winger as he dribbled into space. Scamacca drew two splendid saves from Leno at the other end – the Arsenal goalkeeper brilliantly repelling a pair of headers from the Italian international, sandwiched between a drive that drifted off target following a fine ball from Paqueta.

Then came the penalty that allowed the hosts to breath a little more easily. Fulham still threatened before half time with Fabianski having to palm away a corner from Pereira that threatened to go straight in and clear-cut chances were at a premium after the interval. Leno got down well at his near post to prevent Paqueta from squeezing in a low shot right at the start of the second half, but the visitors looked lively on the break with James going close, before Paqueta scooped a superb ball over the Fulham back line for the major moment of controversy. Scamacca appeared to only be able to lob Leno ahead of Ream by using his hand and elbow, but the goal was allowed to stand.

Fulham came back with Vinicius volleying wide after good link-up play between Kebano and Antonee Robinson. Silva, booked by the referee for his protestations on the touchline, sent on Tom Cairney and then Harry Wilson in search of a late leveller. The skipper almost brought the Whites level immediately – hammering a clever Robinson cut back towards the far corner, where Aaron Creswell somehow managed to clear the danger. Five minutes of added time raised the spirits of the travelling fans, only for hopes of a comeback to be dashed by Antonio's hand and his predatory finishing instincts after an almighty scramble in the area.

Fulham haven't won at West Ham in the league for more than two decades. No defeat has felt as harsh as this one, though.

WEST HAM UNITED (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Kehrer, Creswell, Dawson, Zouma; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Fornals (Downes 90+3), Paqueta (Emerson 84); Scamacca (Antonio 86). Subs (not used): Areola, Johnson, Ogbonna, Coufal, Benrahma, Lanzini.

BOOKED: Kehrer.

GOALS: Bowen (pen 29), Scamacca (62), Antonio (90+1).

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Decordova-Reid, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Ream; Palhinha, Reed (Cairney 71); James (Wilson 77), Kebano (Duffy 89), Pereira (Onomah 77); Vinicius. Subs (not used): Rodak, Mbabu, Diop, Harris, Godo.

BOOKED: Pereira, Reed, Vinicius.

GOAL: Pereira (5).

REFEREE: Chris Kavanagh (Greater Manchester).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/10/scamacca-and-antonio-hand-hammers-victory/

[WhiteJC]

Silva seethes after debatable decisions cost Fulham
Marco Silva said referee Chris Kavanagh was 'embarassed' by the VAR decision to allow Gianluca Scamacca's goal – despite the ball appearing to strike the Italian's hand and elbow – before he lobbed Bernd Leno.

The Fulham head coach was furious that the officials missed both that handball and one in stoppage time that saw Michail Antonio finally end his side's brave challenge at the London Stadium.

"It's another clear handball from Antonio for the third goal. It's tough to understand but I don't want to talk about the referee because I know I would not be on the bench for the next game, and I want to be on the bench for the next game with my players to embrace another challenge. I told my players that these things unfortunately can happen and we have to show more maturity to deal with some situations of the game, when the pressure is coming higher.

The penalty moment is a good example, when the referee spoke with Andreas. Let's hope this type of situation, when blocks happen in the opposition box, will come some penalties for us. I hope. It's tough for the referee. He was so embarrassed, like myself, when he saw it on the screen.

It's difficult for him to say something more. The decision came from VAR and he has to respect that decision. But I saw on his face when I spoke to him after the match, he was embarrassed, because he saw on the screen like I and everyone saw. It is what it is, it's something that we can't control. We have to keep working hard, we know it will not be an easy journey for us. Let's hope the next few weeks at least the decisions are more balanced for both teams."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/10/silva-seethes-after-debatable-decisions-cost-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Cottagers' Pie And Smash: West Ham Feast On Unlucky Neighbours

HamburgHammer marvels at a slightly (p)lucky performance as West Ham begin to climb the table. Make no mistake, this squad has all the pieces of the jigsaw in the box now - the key is to put 'em all together, including the tricky sky, the clouds and the waves.

That was a quite remarkable victory we got to enjoy yesterday. Not just because it was a London derby or because it was another vital three points. But because we didn't start the game well and, frankly, weren't at what I would consider to be the best this group of players can deliver on a good day at the office. And yet we still won. A classic victory to savour and save for the ages it was certainly not. In this league sometimes you need to dig deep, you may need a slightly fortunate penalty to get you back into the game or even an assist from old VAR for a change to help you finding the way to victory, but we kept all three points in East London. That's all that matters this fine morning.

There were several scenes in the game that were stirring my emotions. Fulham's goal was a brilliantly taken shot, I had to grudgingly admit through clenched teeth. Fabianski probably could have done a bit more on that one, but the shot was quite stunning regardless. Our equaliser was made possible by the sheer tenacity and cunning from Craig Dawson forcing the issue in the box and the no-nonsense approach to taking penalties from Jarrod Bowen.

Then when Scamacca controlled that ball so brilliantly before nonchalantly chipping it into the net as if it was just another morning session at Rush Green and not a PL game at the London Stadium I was gobsmacked. But the way our new Italian legend in the making stood rooted to the spot like a Michelangelo sculpture instead of celebrating his feat made me fear this would be chalked off. Surely the ref's assistant must have raised the flag. No, he had not, but VAR was checking for offside/handball/wrong colour of shirt anyway. We know how these usually go, eh ?

I was 99% certain that goal would not stand. And then after quite a while it was given after all and I couldn't help but grin like a Cheshire feline high on catnip what with the contrast in witnessing Scamacca changing from his statue-like stance into running around the pitch resembling a lunatic being chased by a dozen angry wasps while cupping his ear and improving his relationship with the admiring West Ham faithful. The scene was a sight to behold and convinced me that this was the game which finally cemented my earlier impression that Scamacca would fit West Ham like a glove. The fans already love him and even Moyes can't deny that our new striker doesn't seem to require any additional time of being mollycoddled by him or to still get adjusted to seeing all these London buses on his way to work on a regular basis. I think it's fair to say that Signore Scamacca ain't flustered.

When Antonio came on late, it was always very likely he would score a goal against a tiring Fulham defence. He made hard work of it in what almost looked like an excerpt from a comedy of errors featuring players from both sides, but Antonio eventually finished that slapstick move by guiding the ball casually into the net to the unfettered joy of the grateful home crowd. As far as our own defending was concerned, my fellow Kraut Kehrer gave another very convincing testimony of his ability to make the RB spot his own, with Dawson and Zouma holding the fort at CB and Cresswell having a solid afternoon on the left.

What was even more refreshing to see was the sheer quality of our bench. I don't remember seeing such depth in quality on a West Ham bench for many a year, if ever. Every player on that bench had the potential to have an impact and change the game if need be in some shape or form. Which should bode well for the upcoming fixtures, also bearing in mind that both Cornet and Aguerd should be available for selection as well in the very near future.

Finally, this team is beginning to get their act together and win games. We are picking up points now and this should do our collective confidence and swagger the world of good. On Thursday we can pretty much guarantee top spot in our ECL group with another win against Anderlecht, this time at the London Stadium. I would expect the mood in our dressing room to be fairly pleasant and upbeat for this week's training sessions. I can't wait to find out if indeed we have already seen our strongest lineup this season or if it will be one with Nayef Aguerd in it. We may even know the answer to this question by the time the World Cup comes around if we're lucky...COYI!!!



https://www.westhamtillidie.com/posts/cottagers-pie-and-smash-west-ham-feast-on-unlucky-neighbours

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Marco Silva fumes over costly Aleksandar Mitrovic decision with injury return date uncertain

Marco Silva has bemoaned Serbia's management of Aleksandar Mitrovic over the injury that kept Fulham's top scorer out of yesterday's derby defeat by West Ham.

Mitrovic sustained a foot problem in Serbia's 4-1 victory over Sweden last month but then played the full game against Norway just four days later.

The forward was forced off before half-time when returning to club action for Fulham against Newcastle and then was absent from the squad altogether for the 3-1 loss at the London Stadium on Sunday.

"We had some doubts about whether he would play in the second game [for Serbia], we checked, the two medical staffs were in contact and they told us the player was in condition to start the second game," Silva said.

"It's tough for us, not just for us but all the clubs, when you try to protect your players and these things happen. After the injury in the first game, it probably was not the best for him to start the second game and play 90 minutes."

Silva was also unable to say whether Mitrovic, who has six Premier League goals to his name so far this season, would be fit to return against Bournemouth next weekend.

"We have to see day-by-day," he added. "We expected for him to be with us this afternoon but unfortunately the last two days he didn't feel so well.

"We have to check him, keep assessing him to see if he can start working with the team again."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-mitrovic-injury-silva-serbia-b1031437.html