Sunday Fulham Stuff - 16/10/22...

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Results

Saturday
Leicester	0-0	Palace
Fulham	2-2	Bournemouth
Wolves	1-0	Forest
Spurs	2-0	Everton

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Fulham 2-2 AFC Bournemouth

Aleksandar Mitrovic's goal from the penalty spot was his fifth at Craven Cottage so far this season

Bournemouth remain unbeaten under interim manager Gary O'Neil following an entertaining 2-2 draw with Fulham.

The Cherries led through Dominic Solanke after just over a minute, but Issa Diop levelled for the hosts.

Jefferson Lerma restored the lead before half-time, but Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty early in the second half drew Fulham level again.

O'Neil has now overseen four draws and two victories since the sacking of Scott Parker in August.

Fulham battled well to come from behind twice and earn a point following consecutive defeats by Newcastle and West Ham.

The result leaves Bournemouth in ninth place in the Premier League, while Fulham are one place and a point below.

O'Neil job application goes from strength to strength
O'Neil continues to give himself a good chance of becoming the permanent successor to Parker after yet another impressive display by the Cherries.

Parker's dismissal, following the 9-0 humiliation against Liverpool at Anfield, led to the 39-year-old stepping up but with the prospective takeover by Bill Foley yet to be finalised it seems certain that O'Neil will continue for now.

His confident side took just 64 seconds to get off to a fine start when a sublime pass from Marcus Tavernier allowed Philip Billing and Solanke to exchange passes before the former Liverpool striker placed his shot past Bernd Leno.

And they quickly shook off the setback of being pulled level by Fulham when Solanke set up Lerma, who gave Leno no chance from the edge of the box.

But following Mitrovic's leveller, Bournemouth spent much of the second half on the back foot and rarely threatened to retake the lead for a third time.

They face Southampton at home on Wednesday and should relish the prospect of taking on their struggling near neighbours on the back of a six-game unbeaten run.

Fulham bounce back and finish strongly
After successive defeats, Marco Silva would have been concerned when his side conceded so early in the game but they shook off that shock impressively and were arguably the stronger of the two teams overall.

A combination of head and shoulder and a weak attempt at a save from Neto saw Diop bundle in his first goal for Fulham, while Leno's excellent save from Lerma at close range before the break kept the Cottagers in contention.

A double change by Silva that saw Willian and Tom Cairney introduced at the break provided some impetus, with Mitrovic's equaliser coming just seven minutes into the second half.

Having returned from a foot injury, Mitrovic improved as the game went on and forced Lerma into a penalty-conceding error that he followed with a precise spot-kick for his seventh goal of the season.

The Serb snatched at a chance to win the game late on, dragging a shot wide, while Willian, who had impressed on his first home appearance since his arrival from Corinthians, put a shot straight at Neto in stoppage time.

Upcoming games against Aston Villa, Leeds and Everton give Silva's side the chance to move away from a congested mid-table.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63182449

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Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth

Fulham twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Cherries took an early lead through Dominic Solanke's clinical finish, but Issa Diop's first goal for the Club brought us level.

Jefferson Lerma restored the visitors' advantage, but the Whites absolutely bossed proceedings in the second half, with Aleksandar Mitrović's penalty earning a draw – the least his side deserved.

Marco Silva made two changes to the team that was beaten at West Ham last week. Mitrović recovered from his knock to lead the line in place of Carlos Vinicius, while Diop was brought in for Tosin at the back.

Bournemouth found themselves in front with little more than a minute on the clock with an incisive move down the left that culminated in a one-two between Solanke and Philip Billing in the area, with the striker calmly volleying beyond Bernd Leno.

Fulham rallied well and had plenty of the ball following the opener, without troubling Neto in the away goal. Harrison Reed's wonderful spin and cross deserved better on the quarter hour mark, but Neeskens Kebano could only fire back across the box.

The Whites were turning the screw, with Andreas Pereira sending a powerful shot wide of the near post from the edge of the area, a bending João Palhinha long ranger drawing a first save from Neto, and Mitrović seeing a left footed strike deflect behind.

From the subsequent set-piece, our pressure told, with Diop burying his first goal for the Club, holding off the attentions of his marker and planting a firm header beyond Neto, who couldn't keep it out despite getting a hand on the ball.

But the Cherries went back in front with their second shot of the game, with Lerma sweeping Solanke's square pass accurately into the bottom corner of the net.

We attempted to respond quickly once again and, after the visitors survived a VAR check of handball in the area, Mitrović nodded Andreas' corner over.

From a corner of their own, Bournemouth should have gone 3-1 up with five minutes to play of the half, but Leno made a terrific double save to deny Lerma and then Adam Smith, the latter stop being nothing short of world class.

They threatened again just before the break as Solanke looked to be in one-on-one, but Tim Ream made a sensational last ditch tackle to deny him.

Silva switched things up at half-time, introducing Tom Cairney and Willian for Reed and Dan James.

Intensity was ramped up immediately by the Whites, and the pressure told in the 51st minute when Lerma wrestled Mitrović to the ground in the box at a free-kick.

The big man then sent Neto the wrong way from 12 yards to restore parity in the game for a second time.

Bournemouth had not really had a sniff in the second period but Solanke had been lively all game and drew a smart low stop out of Leno in the 65th minute after Ryan Christie had slipped him in.

Fulham were relentlessly pouring forward in search of a third goal. The influential Cairney caught a volley from 20 yards well but it was blocked by a red and black shirt before it could reach the target.

There were then saves at either end, with Leno denying substitute Jaidon Anthony, and Neto clutching a Mitrović strike.

Fulham – who had all the possession in the second period – were the ones pushing for the winner, and Mitrović will have been frustrated to snatch at his shot in stoppage time after being found by Cairney.

That was the last chance of the afternoon as the Whites were forced to settle for a point. Not the worst result considering we trailed twice, but the dominance of the second half made it feel like something of a missed opportunity.

Fulham FC: Leno, De Cordova-Reid, Diop, Ream, Robinson, Reed (Cairney 45'), João Palhinha, James (Willian 45'), Kebano (Wilson 62'), Andreas Pereira (Carlos Vinícius 87'), Mitrović

Subs: Willian, Duffy, Carlos Vinícius, Cairney, Harris, Tosin, Mbabu, Wilson, Rodák

Bournemouth: Neto, Smith, Fredericks, Mepham, Senesi, Christie (Stacey 89'), Tavernier (Anthony 75'), Lerma, Cook, Solanke (Moore 89'), Billing (Zemura 80')

Subs: Moore, Stephens, Stanislas, Rothwell, Travers, Zemura, Stacey, Dembélé, Anthony



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/15/fulham-2-2-bournemouth/

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Post-Bournemouth Press Conference

When asked if Saturday's come from behind draw with Bournemouth was a point gained or two lost, Marco Silva was adamant.

"Two lost," he replied. "It was a tough match, like we expected against a good side, an in-form side as well with good momentum.

"After the last two defeats for us, we knew it was crucial for us to start the match well, start on the front foot to create problems and to be confident in the game.

"What happened was clearly the opposite. First minute of the match we concede a goal in a moment where we have to be much more aggressive, conceding in the first minute of the match, with six against two inside our penalty box.

"It's something that we are working on and we have to keep working because we have to improve.

"But after that I have to highlight and be proud of the reaction of our team and our players. Great reaction from ourselves. It was our obligation, I know, but it's tough and they did it. We took control of the match.

"We started to control, push them back, they started to play in their own half around their box, we started to create some dangerous moments around their box.

"We equalised the game, I think we deserve it. And again, the second time they went around our box they scored."

Silva introduced Tom Cairney and Willian at half-time, and the pair were influential in turning the tide in Fulham's favour.

"We made some changes half-time, not just the players but some important details that made an impact in the game," Silva explained. "TC and Willian made a great impact in the game as well and our second half was all ourselves.

"They played with nine players around their box, with just Solanke up front. I know that they were winning, the responsibility for ourselves was to get control of the game.

"It's tough to play against nine players around the box, plus the goalkeeper.

"We equalised the game and I think with playing so many times around their box, we could score even more goals. That was something that our players probably deserved with the effort and with the character they showed.

"It's one point and we have to keep going."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/october/15/post-bournemouth-press-conference/

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Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth: Cottagers come from behind twice to take a draw against in-form Cherries... with the visitors now unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches

    Dominic Solanke opened the scoring for Bournemouth in their draw at Fulham
    That was before Issa Diop equalised by heading home Andreas Pereira's corner
    Jefferson Lerma again gave Bournemouth the lead 29 minutes into the game
    Alexsandar Mitrovic levelled from the penalty spot early into the second-half
    Fulham looked more likely to score a winner though the Cherries held on
    Bournemouth are now six games unbeaten under caretaker boss Gary O'Neil

To think, seven weeks ago Gary O'Neil was managing his son Carter-Jae's Under-9s team to defeat. Now he's unbeaten in six Premier League games as a rookie caretaker coach.

O'Neil did not seem a realistic candidate when the Bournemouth vacancy first became available upon Scott Parker's sacking in late August. He was a stopgap; a 'he'll do for now' appointment.

Yet Bournemouth have grown into a different team since that 9-0 defeat by Liverpool. They'll be disappointed with this draw, given they led twice and were pegged back twice, but they can say they sit in the top-half of the Premier League table.


Bournemouth are now unbeaten in their six games under caretaker manager Gary O'Neil


Alexsandar Mitrovic earned his side a point but was annoyed not to score a late winner


O'Neil has had a superb start to life in charge of Bournemouth, who currently sit inside top ten

Above Fulham. Above Liverpool. Above Nottingham Forest and Leicester and Wolves. Above all those other sides whose odds of survival were better than theirs, given Bournemouth started this season as favourites to drop down.

Parker was given the elbow after criticising the strength of the squad at his disposal. O'Neil has avoided such mistakes and is getting a tune out of this supposedly broken banjo.

Until American billionaire Bill Foley's takeover is finalised, we're unlikely to have a decision on the next permanent Bournemouth boss. But my word, the 39-year-old newbie that is O'Neil cannot do much more than he is now.

'A point away in the Premier League is always a good point,' said O'Neil, who refuses to big himself up for the job. 'The boys have given me everything in these six games. We've got a quick turnaround now against Southampton (on Wednesday).'


Their lead lasted 20 minutes until Issa Diop (centre) glanced a header into the back of the net


Alexsandar Mitrovic, who won the penalty, then made no mistake as he tucked it away

Fulham boss Marco Silva said: 'Two points lost. We knew after the last two defeats it was crucial to start well, on front foot, to be confident. What happened was the opposite.'

Bournemouth led after one minute and three seconds thanks to a delicious one-two between their front two. Philip Billing was played in behind before returning the pass to Dominic Solanke, who beat Bernd Leno for 1-0 – a perfect start to O'Neil's sixth game as caretaker.

In the 22nd minute, Fulham answered back. How simple it was, too. Andreas Palhinha crossed his corner and Issa Diop headed beyond Wolves goalkeeper Neto to make it 1-1.

Bournemouth wanted some help in retaking the lead when Tim Ream grabbed the arm of Ryan Fredericks, who was breaking behind. 'VAR' chanted Bournemouth's supporters. Robert Jones took a look from Stockley Park but decided there was not enough to suggest a penalty.

Nevertheless, Bournemouth did take a 2-1 lead after 28 minutes when Solanke found space down the right-hand side. He fed Jefferson Lerma, who slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Fulham's defending had been dire and with half hour gone, we had seen three goals.

We would have seen the game's fourth scored by Bournemouth were it not for Leno. In the 40th minute, he saved Lerma's header then denied Adam Smith the rebound from point-blank range.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, starting for the first time since October 1 due to an ankle complaint, had hardly seen the opposition goal in the first half. Fulham know they aren't the same without him and whether he was fully fit here was questionable.

Yet in the 51st minute, he won Fulham a penalty. Pereira had crossed the ball and Lerma was cuddling Mitrovic as if it was Valentine's Day. Referee Graham Scott pointed to the penalty spot and, according to O'Neil, it was a 'terrible decision'. Mitrovic stepped up and made it 2-2.


Mitrovic immediately gathered the ball with hopes that Fulham could go and find a winner

Twice Bournemouth had led and twice Fulham had pulled it back. Solanke might have given the visitors a 3-2 lead when he broke behind but Leno got down to stop him finding the bottom corner.

Fulham wanted a penalty in the 72nd minute when Smith clumsily challenged Bobby De Cordova-Reid. Scott gave nothing and VAR said there was no clear and obvious error.

As we entered the final 10 minutes, it was all Fulham. Bournemouth were living dangerously and at risk of their first defeat under O'Neil. He substituted their two strikers, Solanke and Billing, as the visitors held on for the point.

That's six games as a caretaker coach and six games unbeaten for O'Neil. It's no wonder Bournemouth's supporters are singing his name.


Marco Silva saw his side go behind twice but will have been happy to see his side's fight


Bournemouth are now unbeaten in their last six games since the 9-0 loss to Liverpool



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11318977/Fulham-2-2-Bournemouth-Cottagers-come-twice-earn-point.html

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Mitrovic scores on return as Fulham draw

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored on his return for Fulham but their defensive woes continued.

The Cherries took the lead through Dominic Solanke with their first attack of the game before Issa Diop levelled from a corner.

Bournemouth re-took the lead before the break when Jefferson Lerma finished past Bernd Leno before Mitrovic's second-half penalty gave the Whites a point.

It took just over a minute for Bournemouth to take the lead when Solanke played a neat one-two with Philip Billing in the box before hammering a first-time strike past Leno.

Fulham responded well and had their deserved equaliser on 22 minutes when Andreas Pereira's corner was turned in by the shoulder of Diop to score his first goal for the club.

But Bournemouth re-took the lead just before the half-hour mark when goalscorer Solanke found space down the right-hand side to cut in and tee up Lerma to slot past Leno.

Fulham levelled matters again after the restart when Mitrovic, back in the team after a foot injury, was hauled down by Lerma in the box at a free-kick before sending Neto the wrong way from the spot.

Fulham: Leno, De Cordova-Reid, Diop, Ream, Robinson, Palhinha, Reed (Cairney 45'), James (Willian 45'), Pereira (Vinicius 86′), Kebano (Wilson 62'), Mitrovic



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/mitrovic-scores-on-return-as-fulham-draw

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Fulham thwarted despite putting Bournemouth on the rack during impressive fightback

Fulham (1) 2 Diop 22, Mitrovic pen 52

Bournemouth (2) 2 Solanke 2, Lerma 29



Fulham battled back twice after trailing before lying siege to the Cherries' goal – but a winner eluded them.

They could have done without the setback of conceding after barely a minute of action – Dominic Solanke finishing smartly after a 1-2 with Philip Bulling had carved open the Fulham defence.

But Issa Diop bagged his first goal for the Whites since his summer move from West Ham, heading in an Andreas Pereira corner at the near post.

The Cherries regained the lead their quick attacks had threatened when the on-fire Solanke crossed for Jefferson Lerma to sweep home first time into the bottom corner.

However, the teams were back on level terms early in the second half when Aleksandar Mitrovic won and then converted a penalty after ref Graham Scott decided his 50-50 tussle with Lerma was a case of the Serb being more sinned against than sinning.

It was a seventh domestic goal of the season for the striker, who was welcomed back after missing the defeat at Upton Park through injury.

If Marco Silva had reason to feel his team were hard done-by in last week's defeat at West Ham, he had less cause to complain this time after that penalty award.

Fulham also arguably got lucky when Tim Ream yanked back Ryan Fredericks by the arm as the former Whites full-back got in behind him after another slick attack from the visitors.

The hosts looked much better after drawing level a second time, with Tom Cairney's introduction at the break providing the guile and menace that the sacrificed Harrison Reed does not.

Also playing his part in a much-improved display was Bobby Decordova-Reid. Press-ganged into right-back duty because of a lack of alternatives, he still got forward often to lend his weight to home attacks. 

The fact Fulham could be so much on the front foot after the half-time break also owed much to a fine double-save from Bernd Leno – the second a scooped tip-over to deny Bournemouth skipper Adam Smith, heading from just four yards out.

It was a richly entertaining encounter, though the Whites will definitely feel they should have gone on to win it, given the way they pinned the visitors back for most of the second 45. 

Yet Gary O'Neil continues to be unbeaten since taking over from Scott Parker in the dugout following that 9-0 loss at Liverpool and they proved stubborn.

You can read what Marco Silva thought of that crucial penalty award for Mitro here



Whites: (4-2-3-1) Leno – Decordova-Reid, Diop, Ream, Robinson – Reed (Cairney h/t), Palhinha – James (Willian h/t), Pereira (Vinicius 87), Kebano (Wilson 62) – Mitrovic. Subs not used: Rodak, Tosin, Duffy, Mbabu, Harris



Cherries: (4-4-2) Murara Neto – Fredericks, Mepham, Senesi, A Smith – Christie (Stacey 89), L Cook, Lerma, Tavernier (Anthony 74) – Billing (Zemura 80), Solanke (Moore 89). Subs not used: Travers, Stephens, Rothwell, Stanislas, Dembele



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/fulham-thwarted-despite-putting-bournemouth-on-the-rack-during-impressive-fightback

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Mitrovic earns point as Fulham twice come from behind
Bournemouth had taken the lead through Dominic Solanke with the first attack of the match

Premier League: Fulham 2 Bournemouth 2

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a second-half equaliser as Fulham twice came from behind to secure a point in a 2-2 Premier League draw against Bournemouth.

The 28-year-old scored from the penalty spot – his first goal for Marco Silva's side since September 3 – to take his tally for the season to seven and earn his side a deserved point.

Bournemouth had taken the lead through Dominic Solanke with the first attack of the match, before Fulham levelled matters through summer signing Issa Diop.

The Cherries then retook the lead in the first half through Jefferson Lerma as the hosts struggled to contain caretaker manager Gary O'Neil's side's counter-attacking threat.

However Fulham grew into the game and had all the possession and chances in the final 20 minutes but were unable to break through the Bournemouth defence for a third time.

With their first attack of the match, the visitors took the lead at Craven Cottage, with Solanke firing his side into the lead.

The Cherries forward was played in by a Philip Billing cut-back after Fulham were unable to deal with the move which started in the visitors' half.

Fulham found their footing in the game almost immediately and put the pressure back on Bournemouth, with chances going wide from Neeskens Kebano and Andreas Pereira.

In the 22nd minute, Fulham found a way through the Bournemouth defence with Diop rewarding Silva for his selection in the starting line-up.

The defender beat his marker to the ball to head home from a Pereira corner and level the match on his 100th Premier League start, and his first home start for the Cottagers.

The score did not remain level for long however, with Lerma restoring the visitors' advantage before the half-hour mark.

The ball was played to an unmarked Lerma on the edge of the box by Solanke and he made no mistake, slotting the ball past Bernd Leno.

Leno had to be alert just before half-time to make a double save to deny Bournemouth finding the net again, first from a Lerma header then from captain Adam Smith.

Mitrovic scored Fulham's second equaliser – in the 52nd minute – from the penalty spot.

The Serbia striker, who had been dealing with injury issues ahead of the match and was assessed late on Friday, was awarded the spot-kick after being brought down by Lerma.

The Fulham number nine then sent Neto the wrong way to score Fulham's 10th home goal of the season, one more than the complete 2020-21 season at Craven Cottage.

Leno had to make a good low save in the second half to deny Solanke with both sides pushing for a winner.

Harry Wilson, making his first appearance at Craven Cottage this season, had a chance to score late in the game, but the Bournemouth goalkeeper was just able to get there ahead of the Wales international as the spoils were shared.



https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-40984337.html

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Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth: Mitrovic and stubborn Cottagers deny resurgent Cherries

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a second-half equaliser as Fulham twice came from behind to secure a point in a 2-2 Premier League draw against Bournemouth.

The 28-year-old scored from the penalty spot – his first goal for Marco Silva's side since September 3 – to take his tally for the season to seven and earn his side a deserved point.

Bournemouth had taken the lead through Dominic Solanke with the first attack of the match, before Fulham levelled matters through summer signing Issa Diop.

The Cherries then retook the lead in the first half through Jefferson Lerma as the hosts struggled to contain caretaker manager Gary O'Neil's side's counter-attacking threat.

However Fulham grew into the game and had all the possession and chances in the final 20 minutes but were unable to break through the Bournemouth defence for a third time.

With their first attack of the match, the visitors took the lead at Craven Cottage, with Solanke firing his side into the lead.

The Cherries forward was played in by a Philip Billing cut-back after Fulham were unable to deal with the move which started in the visitors' half.

Fulham found their footing in the game almost immediately and put the pressure back on Bournemouth, with chances going wide from Neeskens Kebano and Andreas Pereira.

In the 22nd minute, Fulham found a way through the Bournemouth defence with Diop rewarding Silva for his selection in the starting line-up.

The defender beat his marker to the ball to head home from a Pereira corner and level the match on his 100th Premier League start, and his first home start for the Cottagers.

The score did not remain level for long however, with Lerma restoring the visitors' advantage before the half-hour mark.

The ball was played to an unmarked Lerma on the edge of the box by Solanke and he made no mistake, slotting the ball past Bernd Leno.

Leno had to be alert just before half-time to make a double save to deny Bournemouth finding the net again, first from a Lerma header then from captain Adam Smith.

Mitrovic scored Fulham's second equaliser – in the 52nd minute – from the penalty spot.

The Serbia striker, who had been dealing with injury issues ahead of the match and was assessed late on Friday, was awarded the spot-kick after being brought down by Lerma.

The Fulham number nine then sent Neto the wrong way to score Fulham's 10th home goal of the season, one more than the complete 2020-21 season at Craven Cottage.

Leno had to make a good low save in the second half to deny Solanke with both sides pushing for a winner.

Harry Wilson, making his first appearance at Craven Cottage this season, had a chance to score late in the game, but the Bournemouth goalkeeper was just able to get there ahead of the Wales international as the spoils were shared.



https://www.football365.com/news/premier-league-report-fulham-2-2-bournemouth-mitrovic-equaliser

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Fulham and Bournemouth draw 2-2 in EPL

LONDON (AP) — Aleksandar Mitrovic's second-half penalty salvaged for Fulham a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in the English Premier League on Saturday.

Dominic Solanke scored 63 seconds into the game and set up Jefferson Lerma's first-half goal for Bournemouth, which twice gave away leads but ultimately extended its unbeaten run to six games under interim manager Gary O'Neil.

Mitrovic started at Craven Cottage after missing time because of an ankle injury and equalized seven minutes after halftime. The Serbia striker was hauled down by Lerma on a free kick and his penalty kick sent Neto diving the other way.

Center back Issa Diop headed in a corner in the 22nd minute to pull Fulham even at 1-1, but Lerma restored the lead for the visitors seven minutes later when he one-timed Solanke's pass into the bottom right corner past Bernd Leno.

Leno prevented further damage shortly before halftime when he blocked Lerma's downward header and deflected Adam Smith's follow up.

Bournemouth has yet to lose since it fired Scott Parker after losing to Liverpool 9-0. The club has two wins and four draws since Parker's departure and hosts Southampton on Wednesday.

Fulham ended a two-game losing skid and hosts Aston Villa on Thursday.



https://apnews.com/article/sports-soccer-bernd-leno-aleksandar-mitrovic-issa-diop-2ccf1942de7bf25954a49b1688167e47

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Boss Silva unhappy with Fulham's defending

Marco Silva admitted he was left unhappy with Fulham's defending in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Fulham conceded just over a minute into the game when Dominic Solanke exchanged passes with Phillip Billing and fired an effort past Bernd Leno, before Issa Diop equalised.

But Solanke was involved again as Silva's side were punished on the break, teeing up Jefferson Lerma to slot home. Aleksandar Mitrovic's second-half penalty ensured his side took a point.

Fulham were dominant in the second half but failed to convert their pressure, and while disappointed with the manner of the goals conceded, boss Silva says his team deserved to win the game.

"We are not happy. Of course we are not happy in a game where we control almost all of it," he said.

"The two goals we conceded come from nowhere. Even if I know it was a good moment from Solanke for the first goal with the way he received that ball, he went between our central defenders which is something where we should have done much better, definitely.

"The second goal was more or less the same. A long ball and the reaction from ourselves is clear for me, it is something we have to work on, definitely.

"When you concede two goals the way we conceded this afternoon, of course we cannot be happy.

"After the last two defeats we know that it was crucial for us to start well and to start on the front foot, to start to create problems and to be confident in the game.

"What happened was clearly the opposite. The first minute of the match, we conceded a goal in a moment where we are clearly in a good set-up, and of course we need to be much more aggressive in that moment.

"In terms of numbers, we had six against two in our penalty box. It's something we are working on and we have to keep working because we have to improve. The second time they went around our box they score again.

"But I have to be proud of the reaction from our team. I think we played so many times around their box. With different decisions in attack – the last pass, last finish, last delivery as well, I think we could score even more goals.

"It's something that our players probably deserved, with the way they fought and the character they showed."

Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil claimed after the game that the decision to award Fulham a penalty for a foul by Lerma on Mitrovic at a free-kick was a "terrible one".

But after being on the wrong end of a similar decision in the 3-1 defeat to West Ham last week, Silva insists the referee made the right call.

"I can understand what Gary is saying," he said.

"What I want to say for all of us as a manager is I want to see some consistency in decisions. It was for me clear that everyone last week said it was a penalty at West Ham.

"I heard David Moyes saying in the press conference that it was a clear penalty from Andreas (Pereira) and if that one is a penalty, this one has to be a penalty because it is the same thing.

"And this is the consistency that I think all the managers – myself, Gary, David – we want to see on a matchday."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/boss-silva-unhappy-with-fulhams-defending

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Returning Mitrovic rescues a point for Fulham

Aleksandar Mitrovic marked his return from injury with a vital goal as Fulham twice fought back from behind to pick up a point in a pulsating draw with AFC Bournemouth at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

Cherries' caretaker boss Gary O'Neill bemoaned referee Graham Scott's decision to award a penalty for Jefferson Lerma's pulling down of the Serbian striker seven minutes after half time but, as Marco Silva was quick to point out following the final whistle, the award followed the precedent set by Chris Kavanagh at West Ham last weekend. More pertinently, Mitrovic – who missed the match at the London Stadium – slotted home his first club goal since early September to end Fulham a deserved share of the spoils in an end-to-end encounter.

Silva considered this two points dropped, but his side could easily have left with nothing at all given the sloppiness of their start. Bournemouth are an entirely different beast from the team that seemed relegation certainties when Scott Parker was sacked at the end of August, and this point makes it ten points from six matches since O'Neill stepped up to succeed the former Fulham manager at Dean Court. The Cherries are much more adventurous than under Parker – something they underlined with their first attack, as well as ruthlessly exploiting the presence of Bobby Decordova-Reid as a makeshift full back for the second successive weekend.

The visitors took the lead inside two minutes with a wonderfully worked move. Dominic Solanke dropped into space in front of the Fulham defence, receiving a pass from Marcus Tavernier and finding Philip Billing high up on the left flank. The Dane delivered a low ball back to the one-time England international, who capitalised on the lack of anticipation between new central defensive Tim Ream and Issa Diop, to volley beyond Bernd Leno.

Such an early setback stunned the home crowd, but Fulham stuck to their approach and poured men forward. They saw plenty of the ball but certainly lacked penetration initially. Neeskens Kebano miscued horribly after a beautiful turn and cross from Harrison Reed, whilst Joao Palhinha sent a sighter straight down Neto's throat before Mitrovic saw an effort deflected over. From the ensuing corner, the Whites were level. Andreas Perreira's delicious delivery was emphatically headed home by Diop, for his first goal since moving to west London.

But just went you thought an equaliser would galvanise the hosts, Bournemouth attacked with renewed vigour. Former Fulham full back Ryan Fredericks was incensed he wasn't awarded a penalty for a push by Ream but the Cherries' anger soon dissipated when Jefferson Lerma stroked their second from only a second shot at goal. After Solanke had sauntered in menacing from the right, the midfielder found space in front of Reed to pick out the bottom corner with aplomb.

It might have got even better for Bournemouth before the break. Lewis Cook's clever clip from a short corner saw Leno improvise a save from Solanke's header, but the former Arsenal goalkeeper did superbly to tip over Adam Smith's follow-up. The German's breathtaking goalkeeping proved a turning point and Ream was forced into a last-ditch tackle to prevent Solanke from going through on goal.

Silva took decisive action during the interval – sending Tom Cairney on for the second period in place of an ineffectual Harrison Reed. The Fulham captain gave the Whites greater control in the engine room and he picked out the positive pass to drive his side forward. Willian also came off the bench at half time and the hosts suddenly carried a far greater. Lerma's decision to wrestle with Mitrovic at a free-kick seemed senseless, even more so once the Serbian had rolled the spot-kick into the bottom right corner.

Bournemouth remained dangerous on the break, something Solanke signified when he sped away from Ream to reach Ryan Christie's through ball and force Leno into a sharp save at his near post. But O'Neill's outfit spend most of the last twenty minutes penned in their own half, desperately trying to hang on for a point. Cairney saw an on-target shot blocked and Mitrovic missing a pair of good chances. The Fulham number nine could barely get off the ground at this point but still worked Neto with a rising drive and then pulled an effort past the near post in added time.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Decordova-Reid, A. Robinson, Diop, Ream; Palhina, Reed (Cairney 45); Kebano (Wilson 62), James (Willian 45), Pereira (Vincius 88); Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Rodak, Mbabu, Adarabioyo, Duffy, Harris.

BOOKED: Decordova-Reid, Ream.

GOALS: Diop (22), Mitrovic (pen 53).

AFC BOURNEMOUTH (4-4-2): Neto; Fredericks, A. Smith, Mepham, Senesi; Christie (Stacey 89), Tavernier (Anthony 75), Lerma, Cook, Solanke (Moore 89), Billing (Zemura 80). Subs (not used): Travers, Rothwell, Stevens, Stanislas, Dembele.

GOALS: Solanke (2), Lerma (29).

REFEREE: Graham Scott (Oxfordshire).

ATTENDANCE: 22,913



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[WhiteJC]

Silva sees Bournemouth draw as two points dropped
Marco Silva was pleased with Fulham's fightback against Bournemouth – but still considers the result as two points dropped rather than one gained.

The Whites were behind inside two minutes at Craven Cottage – caught cold by Dominic Solanke again – and Jefferson Lerma put the Cherries in front for a second time after Issa Diop had headed in his first goal for the club. Fulham dominated the second period and pushed for a winner following Aleksandar Mitrovic's penalty, but none proved forthcoming.

Silva told his post-match press conference:

"It is two points lost. It's tough to play against nine players around their box plus the goalkeeper. We equalised the game and then, of course, playing so many times around their box with different decisions and [with] the last pass, last finish and last delivery as well, I think we can score even more goals.

It was something that our players definitely deserved with the fight, with the character that they showed, but it is one point and we have to keep going."

The Fulham head coach was not pleased with his side's defending, either.

"The two goals we conceded come from nowhere. Even if I know it was a good moment from Solanke for the first goal with the way he received that ball, he went between our central defenders which is something where we should have done much better, definitely. The second goal was more or less the same. A long ball and the reaction from ourselves is clear for me, it is something we have to work on, definitely."



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[WhiteJC]

Cairney keen to take positives

Fulham skipper Tom Cairney pointed towards the positives after this afternoon's draw with Bournemouth – despite admitting that the initial reaction in the home dressing room following the final whistle was one of disappointment.

The Whites went behind in the second minute and, despite Issa Diop's first goal for the club hauling them level, were losing at the break after Jefferson Lerma fired the visitors ahead. Cairney, whose introduction at half time by Marco Silva, changed the complexion of a contest that looked to be drifting away from the Cottage, believes that the spirit in the side helped Fulham fightback to take a share of the spoils.

    "The feeling in the dressing room is one of disappointment not because of the performance, because we knew it was a big opportunity missed for the points. It feels like a game we could have won. I think performance wise you've got to take the positives and coming from behind twice – it's not easy. I think you've got to give them a bit of credit, defending the box really well and the keeper made a couple of good saves. It feels like there were so many crosses but we couldn't get Mitro or Vini on the end of them."

The Scottish international helped Fulham take a stranglehold a midfield battle where previously they had been far too passive – and pushed the Cherries back in their own half. He hopes to have given Silva a decision to make after solely being used as a substitute in the league so far this term:

    "I've come on every game so far this season. Whatever situation we've been in, I've tried to use my experience to try help get us over the line or try and help us get back in games. Me and Willian came on today, tried to get us playing and tried to create chances: try and get us positive. Competition for places is healthy: we're all fighting for the same goal. We need to stay in this league and I feel like we're on the right track for that."

Cairney is already looking forward to Thursday night's home game with Aston Villa under the lights at the Cottage.

    "It's another big home game. We're around about the same place as Villa – we're going to need the fans again on Thursday night. We've got to rest up, it is quite a short turnaround. It should be another good atmosphere: I'm looking forward to it."



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[WhiteJC]

Mitrovic delighted to be back amongst goals

Aleksandar Mitrovic admits he still hasn't really recovered from the foot ligament problem that has threatened to disrupt his sensational start to the season – but the Serbian striker was delighted to be back amongst the goals as Fulham came from behind twice to draw with Bournemouth this afternoon.

The Fulham number nine was clearly struggling to last the full ninety minutes as the Whites looked to force a late winner against the Cherries but Mitrovic was unable to add to his second half penalty, missing a couple of good chances to grab all three points for Marco Silva's side. He told Reuters after the final whistle:

    "I've been in a lot of pain. Painkillers helped a lot. I still haven't completely recovered, but I managed to get the goal today. I had one or two chances where I could have done better, but that's football. The main target at home is three points, no matter who we play. We conceded sloppy goals and I think that cost us the game. In the end we managed to get the draw."



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[WhiteJC]

Finding the perfect Fulham blend

However frustrated we might have been by yesterday's draw with Bournemouth, Fulham kept fighting until the end. Marco Silva insisted he wouldn't compromise on his footballing philosophy in the Premier League after guiding the Whites to the Championship title in such style – and he was true to his word. If that means selecting a winger at right back, slotting in a natural number ten into central midfield at 2-1 down and chucking on another striker to look for a winner with minutes to go, so be it. The changes worked as Fulham came from behind twice and created enough chances to claim all three points – and you can't quibble with twelve points from ten points: comfortably the Cottagers' best start to a top flight campaign under the Khan regime.

It is increasingly clear that Silva doesn't yet know his best eleven. Some of that is done to the fact that a number of the club's most consistent Championship performers have stepped up impressively at a higher level and, whilst the failure to complete recruitment in time to give key arrivals a full pre-season to bed in at their new club combined with a batch of injuries, means that an innovative coach has had to take a few gambles. You'd think Fulham's best long-term central defensive partnership is probably Tosin Adarabioyo and Issa Diop, but Tim Ream's outstanding form in the early weeks of this campaign has made our £15m signing wait his turn.

For much of the first half yesterday, Fulham's defending was reminiscent of that miserable afternoon in the rain at Coventry last season – also the last time that Tosin was dropped. We should give Gary O'Neill credit for causing maximum carnage in the final third by pairing the impressive Dominic Solanke with Philip Billing, not a natural striker, but someone who operated in the areas that give centre backs nightmares about whether to mark or not. The Cherries exploited Decordova-Reid's lack of defensive positioning as well as well Ream's lack of pace to make the dream start, but both looked much more assured by the end of the ninety minutes with our veteran American making a couple of superb sliding tackles when the visitors looked likely to score a third. Bernd Leno had a busy afternoon: no more so when his vital double save from Solanke and Jefferson Lerna to kept the hosts in the contest.

I've seen some criticism of Diop's display but I think most of these are misplaced. The Frenchman is clearly still lacking match fitness having been frozen out by David Moyes in east London, but he adds height, physicality and power to a backline that can look fragile at times. He demonstrated his value in both penalty boxes with a header that briefly brought the Whites level for the first time and Diop also fits Silva's template for a ball-playing centre back. He didn't misplace a single pass all afternoon and again displayed an aptitude for bringing the ball out of defence. He will only get better with more game time – and it is up to Silva to decide on his best centre defensive pairing.

Decordova-Reid is also due some love as he really not at right back, but I fancy Bobby would put the goalkeeping gloves and stand between the sticks if you asked him to. He gave it a real go yesterday and finished the contest on the front foot, with one brilliant run along the right only lacking a telling final ball at the death. Bobby isn't a long-term answer to Kenny Tete's proneness to spells on the sidelines. That is probably Kevin Mbabu – although it is obvious that the former Newcastle man has yet to satisfy Silva that he can be trusted with a first team start.

The head coach has a head scratcher in central midfield now, too, as Harrison Reed's poorest showing of the season allowed Tom Cairney to emphasise his enduring class as he changed the game as a half-time substitute. Our Scottish playmaker hasn't started a Premier League game this term but has been a key part of Fulham's encouraging return to English football's elite as someone who both helps his side keep the ball more effectively as well as being the best route to unlocking a resolute rearguard, who are sitting on a lead as Bournemouth tried to do yesterday. Perhaps the importance of replacements now the Premier League has switched to five substitutes makes Cairney the perfect 'finisher' but I'd love to see how he would do from the off against a side like Aston Villa on Thursday.

There were cheering cameos from the bench from Willian, who got into interesting positions along both flanks having also entered the game with the Whites in danger of being outplayed at half time, and Harry Wilson, who remains short of match sharpness having been injured by Tyrone Mings' reckless tackle during a summer friendly at Motspur Park. You'd think the Welshman will eventually take the spot on the right wing that he made his own during a superb first season at Craven Cottage – and he showed during a loan spell with the Bournemouth side that were relegated that he can contribute at this level.

Silva certain gambled on Mitrovic's fitness yesterday but the Serbian still made a telling contribution despite hobbling around on one leg at times. Even when the Serbian striker is well marshalled by centre halves, as yesterday, he gives them a good working over and prompts moments of madness from opponents, like when Lerma threw him to the floor in the penalty area. O'Neill's anger at that decision might have been more tolerable had Andreas Pereira been penalised for being clothes lined by Craig Dawson last week – and perhaps the most pleasing aspect of yesterday was that Mitrovic was able to give Neto the eyes and slot his penalty into the opposite corner.

If Fulham are safely ensconced in mid-table without Silva knowing what his best eleven is it, what might the Whites do when the Portuguese manager finds the perfect blend?



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[filham]

Not really fair to say that Silva doesn't know his best eleven until he has had the good fortune to have a squad 100% match fit.