Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 17/01/23...

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Fulham monitoring former Southampton loan man along with Newcastle United

Latest news on the transfer front involving Fulham emerges at the start of the week.

Fulham are reportedly keeping tabs on RC Lens defender Kevin Danso. The centre-back had a loan spell in the Premier League back in the 2019/20 season with Southampton.

According to a report by Jeunes Footeux, the Cottagers are 'monitoring' his progress in Ligue 1. Fellow top flight side Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest.

Fulham could see Danso as someone to add more competition and depth to their defensive department. At the age of 24, he has the potential to develop in the future and he has already racked up over 100 appearances in his career to date.

The Austria international, who has 11 caps under his belt so far, signed for current club Lens back in 2021 and has since become a key player for them. He has made 55 appearances in all competitions and has chipped in with three goals from the back.

He had spells in the academies at Reading and MK Dons as a youngster before moving over to Germany to join Augsburg. Danso then rose up through the youth ranks at the Augsburg Arena and played 44 times for their first-team, as well as having loan spells away at Southampton and Fortuna Dusseldorf before leaving permanently.

Fulham can now add Danso to the latest player to be linked with a switch to Craven Cottage in this transfer window. However, Newcastle have also been mentioned meaning there will be competition for his signature.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-monitoring-former-southampton-loan-man-along-with-newcastle-united-3988157

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Man Of The Match Result: Newcastle

Issa Diop has been voted your Fulham Man of the Match following his strong display in the narrow 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.

The Whites defence had dealt well with Newcastle's dangerous attacking play and looked to be heading towards a clean sheet until Alexander Isak's 89th-minute winner.

Diop made more blocks and interceptions than any other player on the pitch, and even made a surging run down the right wing to create one of Fulham's more threatening first-half attacks.

The centre-back came out on top with 34.53% of the vote, with Harrison Reed (21.19%) and Bernd Leno (14.19%) following closely after.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/january/16/man-of-the-match-result-newcastle/

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Chelsea (A) Sold Out

Tickets for Fulham's trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Friday 3rd February have now sold out. Thank you for your fantastic support!

Should the Club receive any ticket returns, please register your interest below to join our waiting list for this fixture:



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/january/16/chelsea-a-sold-out/

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Luton boss makes exit admission over Fulham and Southampton target James Bree

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards is refusing to rule out a January exit for James Bree as Premier League duo Fulham and Southampton chase the former Aston Villa right-back, speaking to Luton Today. 

Only one full-back – Middlesbrough's Wolves loanee Ryan Giles – has more assists in the Championship this season than Luton's set-piece specialist. Bree took his tally to four during Saturday's dramatic 3-2 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at Kenilworth Road; putting the Hatters 2-0 up after just 10 minutes with a typically devilish delivery thumped home by the colossal Elijah Adebayo. 

Bree's rampant right boot will not be easy to replace, then; Edwards confirming that the one-time Villa Park youngster is due to become a free-agent during the summer of 2023. 

According to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, Bree is of interest to Southampton. The Saints are long-time admirers of the former Barnsley youngster, who reached the Championship play-offs under Southampton coach Nathan Jones last year. 

The Daily Mail, meanwhile, say that Bree also has admirers at Fulham. Marco Silva's high-flying Cottagers are looking for a new right-back. They could turn to the more affordable Bree after failing to reach an agreement with Arsenal over Cedric Soares. 

Southampton and Fulham like Luton Town's James Bree
"There's nothing that I know of at the moment," says Edwards, who had a typically short stint at trigger-happy Watford before replacing Jones at Luton in November. "But, like I said before, nothing would surprise me," 

"He's a really good player and, obviously, he'll be out of contract in the summer. With his situation, there's always that possibility (that he could leave). But what we'll always do is try and make sure we do what's right for the football club. 

"If (there is) an opportunity for that person to improve, kick on and go forward, and if it's right for the football club, then we'll always look at that. But there's always a lot of parties involved in these things. And it has to be right for everyone." 

Marco Silva, in the build up to Fulham's unfortunate 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday, admitted that the Cottagers are planning to bring in a new right-sided defender before the February deadline, though he insists that reported interest in Rennes captain Hamari Traore and Roma misfit Rick Karsdorp are 'not true' (Sky Sports). 

"I think he's a top lad and a top player," Edwards adds of Bree. "Of course, we'd love to keep him at this football club." 

"His set-pieces are as good as anything that I've probably seen, or I've worked with. He's a real asset in that respect, but he's a good footballer as well." 



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/01/16/luton-boss-makes-exit-admission-over-fulham-and-southampton-target-james-bree/

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Reported Fulham and Brentford striker target to join Aston Villa

Latest news emerges on the transfer front as Premier League side move to land attacker linked with Fulham and Brentford

Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sign Jhon Duran from Chicago Fire. Fulham and Brentford were both linked with the youngster but he has made the move to the Midlands instead.

Villa have announced on their official club website that the deal is subject to the player passing a medical, personal terms and obtaining a work visa. He caught the eye playing in MLS last year and ESPN claim the transfer fee is an initial $18 million, with $4million in add-ons.

CalcioMercatoWeb claimed that both Fulham and Brentford made 'offers' for the forward. However, Unai Emery's side were also credited with an interest along with Portuguese giants Benfica.

Duran, 19, may have been identified by the London pair as someone to add more depth to their attacking options. He is being tipped for big things and would have been one to watch out for in the future.

The Colombia international scored eight times for Chicago Fire last year and only broke into their first-team last term. Prior to his move there, he started his career at Envigado.

Aston Villa will be looking to get a deal over the line and have taken a step closer to getting him by reaching an agreement. Emery's side beat Leeds United last time out and are 11th in the Premier League table, six points behind Fulham and four behind Brentford.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/reported-fulham-and-brentford-striker-target-to-join-aston-villa-3988640

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You may have missed Newcastle United's 'timeout tactic' that left Fulham raging – but it's pure genius from Eddie Howe
Newcastle United appeared to engineer a timeout against Fulham to buy time for Eddie Howe to speak to his team – and it upset the Cottagers' coaching staff

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has got his tactics spot on this season – both while the ball is in play and otherwise. 

The Toon chief masterminded yet another win at the weekend over Fulham to solidify the Magpies' place in the top four but with the clash poised in the balance in the first half, Howe and assistant Jason Tindall appeared to orchestrate a quick move to buy their side some time and get a quick team talk in ahead of the break.

The Sky Sports team completely missed it – as did a lot of fans actually in the ground. But some eagle-eyed supporters noticed something fishy going on, all stemming from Nick Pope putting in a glorious, Oscar-season cameo...

It all started when Newcastle won a corner. Magpies assistant Tindall called over goalkeeper Pope for instruction, who jogged back to his net to watch the set piece. As soon as the home team lose the ball, Pope sat down.

The Newcastle bench then gestured to the referee that their goalkeeper needs attention and the game is brought to a swift halt. Is there anything wrong with Pope, though? 

The Sky commentary team, you may remember, note that the keeper has had relatively nothing to do all afternoon so they can't work out how he's pulled up with something wrong. It could have been that jog back to the goal... but substitute Martin Dubravka remains seated on the bench, with no one telling him to warm up. Clearly, Howe and co. are not too worried about the England No.2. 

Meanwhile, the Newcastle players are now receiving instructions from Howe, 10 minutes early, around the 35th minute. Except Joelinton, who's loitering much closer to the Fulham huddle.

Is it a coincidence that the Toon send one of their Portuguese-speaking stars to stand in close enough proximity to hear the away side and the Portuguese Marco Silva? Perhaps. Fulham coach Luis Boa Morte was seen to be unhappy with Joelinton during this moment, though. Yes, Boa is also Portuguese.

All a big conspiracy theory? Or the greatest timeout tactic you've heard this season in the Premier League? 

That's not where the gamesmanship ended, either. Towards the end of the match, the BBC reported (opens in new tab) that "Newcastle told the officials Fulham had 12 players on the pitch." The referee was seen to be counting Fulham players over and over again, delaying the furious west Londoners from getting the game back underway in search of an equaliser.

Watch out for those pesky Magpies. As the banner reads, they're not here to be popular, they're here to compete...



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/you-may-have-missed-newcastle-uniteds-timeout-tactic-that-left-fulham-raging-but-its-pure-genius-from-eddie-howe

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Everton, Fulham and Brighton interested in Lille forward Timothy Weah

Timothy Weah who helped LOSC Lille to a 5-1 victory over Troyes in Ligue 1 yesterday, has been attracting interest from Premier League clubs including Everton, Fulham and Brighton, according to L'Equipe.

Weah who has predominantly played as a right-winger for Lille this season does not have the best record. He has just two assists in 10 league matches. However, for the USMNT at the World Cup, he did score a great goal against Wales.

Weah's career so far
Timothy Weah is the son of George Weah, who won the Ballon d'Or in 1995, so there is a lot of expectation on the young player as to what he will achieve.

He played for the New York Red Bulls academy, before moving to Paris Saint-Germain. For PSG he made six senior appearances, scoring twice. The forward was sent on loan to Celtic where he scored four goals and made one assist in 17 games. He also won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.

His next port of call was to join Lille permanently. He helped the side win Ligue 1 in 2021, which was his third league title as he collected two medals with PSG. In total, he has made 86 appearances for Lille, with eight goals and eight assists.

Weah also has 29 caps for his country, where he has four goals. He was part of the side that won the CONCACAF Nations League in 2020. With the USA co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, Weah will be looking for a club where he can develop into a player that will be crucial for the USMNT in that tournament.

Is it time for Timothy Weah to head to the Premier League?
There are a number of suitors for Weah in the Premier League. These teams have had differing forms in the division this season.

A move to Everton would be a tough move, the club are in crisis and he may end up being a championship player next season if he chooses to join the Toffees.

Fulham and Brighton would be much more tempting moves, as the clubs are 6th and 7th respectively in the division.

The Cottagers were unlucky to lose 1-0 to Newcastle this yesterday afternoon, whilst Brighton had a fantastic 3-0 victory over Liverpool last Saturday. The Seagulls are also likely to have a vacancy with Leandro Trossard likely to leave, as he was left out of the squad to face the Reds.

L'Equipe also mentioned that Sevilla could be an option for Weah. However, they are also in a relegation fight in La Liga.

Timothy Weah has played in Britain before with Celtic, which will help him adapt to the Premier League. But it will be a big step up from the Scottish Premiership and Ligue 1. He is a versatile forward who can play on either flank or as a striker.

He is just 22 years old, so is still young and regular playing time is imperative. Lille is currently 6th in the French league. Therefore it would be sensible to only move to England if Fulham or Brighton come in for him. A move to Everton at the moment could turn out to be a disaster.



https://thetopflight.com/2023/01/16/everton-fulham-brighton-timothy-weah/

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Club's technical director claims Fulham watched player on Saturday – "Very few serious contacts" for him so far

Fulham sent a scout to watch SC Heerenveen goalkeeper Andries Noppert in the clash with over the weekend.

That's according to Heerenveen's technical director Ferry de Haan, who has claimed Marco Silva's side are one of the club's interested in the Netherlands goalkeeper.

Soccer Nieuws cover his comments to Voetbal International today, explaining that after an excellent World Cup with the Dutch national team, it was expected Noppert would be on the move this month.

So far, no concrete offers have come in for the goalkeeper and it appears he will finish the season with the Dutch side despite Fulham travelling to see him.

Voetbal International report that the goalkeeper has been enquired about by 'agents and brokers' in recent weeks but these have been 'exploratory talks' at best.

A report in the Leeuwarder Courant claimed that a delegation from FC Copenhagen had been in stands on Saturday to watch the player but de Haan has denied that, instead saying it was Fulham who were on the list.

"Before every match, I get an overview with clubs and agents present," he is quoted as saying.

"For example, against AZ that included Fulham but not Copenhagen. Of course, it could have been them after all, but they were not on the list.

"Actually, there have been very few serious contacts for Andries since December. One, at most two.

"If something is about to happen then you often get some signals about that at an earlier stage, those signals are just not there at the moment."



http://sportwitness.co.uk/clubs-technical-director-claims-fulham-watched-player-saturday-serious-contacts-far/

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Positives and negatives: Newcastle United 1-0 Fulham

That was a nasty ending to our five-game unbeaten streak. Cam recounts a harsh loss at St James' Park, and there's plenty to unpack.

Fulham, in the Premier League, had won four games on the bounce. It's a run of games that has inspired and beguiled, and though we're immensely proud of what the boys have achieved, it doesn't make our loss against Eddie Howe's highflying Newcastle United any easier to digest.

Marco Silva's Whites were on the brink of a point, the Magpies have only sampled defeat once in the league and sharing the spoils would've been a respectable outcome for both sides, although the forthcoming twist to the tale was as brutal as they come, and it's a feeling we're sadly all too familiar with.

Poor officiating decisions were rife, gilt-edged opportunities were misspent,but as the Toon climb into a Champions League berth, the Whites are still well within the mix at the right end of the table and that is the main, all-important takeaway.

Positives
We're still sixth
If we're being completely honest with ourselves, we'd admit that a loss was forecast before kick-off and while that presumption became a reality, we're still sixth in the Premier League standings and we're still a difficult team to get the better of.

A remarkable festive period, followed by our shock victory over Chelsea, set us up nicely for our toughest test since Manchester City and ultimately, all good things have to come to an end. There were tetchy spells, Newcastle sliced through on the break as the game gradually opened up however the result certainly doesn't justify our collective performance, at least for 88 minutes.

We were alert, we had to stick together as the Magpies scanned for inroads and for the most part, we were disciplined and we also caused issues. St James' Park is a pressure cooker, with their fans in full voice it's cacophonous and though it's a stadium that intimidates, the home of a side that are without question the country's in-form force, they got away with a cold robbery and that is the cruel nature of the sport.

It wasn't an easy outing for the hosts; we took the game to Howe's men and we had glaring, bread and butter chances to clinch the victory ourselves, so while this loss is excruciatingly painful to stomach, there are recognisable positives to take stock of. Like it or lump it, we're going to be on the wrong side of fixtures such as Sunday's defeat and now, it's important that we regroup, refocus and go again, as we have done this season already.

Diop's danger detector
Reinstated to the starting XI, Issa Diop's inclusion in Silva's matchday team was legitimised because with brave blockages and daring interceptions, the Frenchman's involvement was absolutely necessary. He helped to protect our target, he was literally our last line of defence as he stunted Sean Longstaff's effort with an outstretched leg and his commitment remained until our back line simply couldn't hold on any longer.

Mindful of Newcastle's fluency on the offensive, Diop had to be first to detectable balls into feet and he swiftly put a stop to dangerous scenarios. He cut out trouble before it occurred, he demonstrated a positional understanding that aided Tim Ream's participation and he was resistant at set-pieces. In a nutshell, Diop was a fine performer in testing circumstances and he wasn't at fault during the build-up to United's winner.

It was Tosin Adarabioyo that lost track of Alexander Isak within the six-yard box, Diop was occupied by Callum Wilson at the back stick, and even then the former West Ham United man was deeply unlucky with the resulting rebound off his back, which enabled Wilson to locate his unmarked strike partner. I was satisfied with Diop's application; he was vigilant, he ignored distraction and the loss is not to his detriment whatsoever.

Reed's roaming pursuit
Antagonising in a higher position than usual, Harrison Reed pressed with intent, he bit back with malice and with those tireless iron lungs of his, he suffocated Newcastle's predominant playmakers to relieve his team of impending stress and strain.

An auxiliary partner of Andreas Pereira, who readily lead the charge as per, Reed supported Fulham's advancements by getting in behind both Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn, and he shielded possession selflessly as he waited for his teammates to show for the ball. He gave his all to drive the Whites up the park, and when Joao Palhinha required assistance, he responded immediately and he was suitably assertive.

Allowing Harrison to instigate in a roaming capacity is worthwhile because it amplifies intensity on the attack, and it unnerves oppositional players on the retreat. They're never clear of Reed, they know he's in hot pursuit and if they're tardy, they're cruising for a clamping. This was the case for Bruno Guimarães, Joe Willock was also apprehended, choking the Toon's midfield department was integral and while things were draining on the legs, Reed powered through.

Life in Layvin
Antonee Robinson's suspension paved the way for Layvin Kurzawa to make his second league start of the campaign and though he's been out of match practice, the Paris Saint-Germain loanee didn't disservice himself, or indeed Fulham. He may not have come out on top in every instance but in the name of getting behind players, even if they're outings were pretty bang average, I'm happy to fight his corner.

His first start was incidentally against Newcastle at home in October and before he trudged off with a knock, Miguel Almiron billed him up and smoked him. This didn't happen on Tyneside. He and Bobby De Cordova-Reid doubled up on the Paraguayan, he couldn't establish himself without being shadowed and although Kurzawa was cut adrift with systematic give-and-goes, he didn't surrender.

This is a left-back that's only featured in 211 minutes of first-team football this term, Sunday's outing was his third in Fulham colours and I'd predict that in the second half of the campaign, his match engagements will become more frequent. He was mistreated by his parent club last season, life hasn't been kind to him in SW6 but he is by no means a terrible footballer, far from it.

He may not be fully fit, competing in an environment such as the Premier League is relentlessly taxing but against Newcastle, there were glimpses of his assured ability and as he reconditions himself to contend, regular run outs will be guaranteed. He wasn't the sturdiest in 50/50s, he wasn't as expedient as Jedi but as a player that's still relatively rusty, there's definitely life in Layvin yet.

Negatives
Aleksandar's abnormal pen
Aleksandar Mitrovic has spurned three spot kicks this season. That is three too many, and with a chance to potentially scrounge three points against the club where his journey in England began, the Serb slipped from 12 yards and it's a 'miss' I have never, ever seen before. There are ways to botch penalties but this, this is unchartered.

As his right swung, his standing left sidled and an abnormal double contact was made, which is illegal. The ball veered into the net, Fulham thought they were 1-0 up but Nick Pope was quick to accuse, and so it was scrubbed off. It's oddly hysterical; how can a striker of such potency be so questionable from the spot?

It would've promised a draw at the very least, having shanked penalties against Wolves and Southampton, you'd have bet your bottom dollar on Mitro bagging, the rules of probability and averages would've been stacked in his favour, and he was somehow subject to an infuriating anomaly.

In truth, my gut feeling wasn't great as he grabbed the ball from De Cordova-Reid, I can see why Mitro would've been first in line, given the occasion, but you really have to feel for Pereira and others that are surely due their turn. Maybe it's just the harsh nature of fate, Pope was marginally off his line but VAR weren't focused on that infringement, not when the penalty was contentiously awarded in the first place. Penalties are a problem for Mitro, and although Silva continues to back his talisman, questions will be asked.

Another sickening loss
Here we are, falling to pieces at the death in point-gaining situations, yet again. We crumbled with minutes to go at the hands of Arsenal, City, Manchester United and now, we can add Newcastle to the list of clubs that have done us dirty and while we can't win them all, or indeed draw them all, we're losing games in the most sickening manner imaginable and it has to stop.

In all of the games we've lost this season, barring Newcastle at the Cottage, the Whites haven't even been atrocious or outplayed. In fact, we were deserving of something in all of them but I don't know what it is with our concentration, because it dissipates at the point of no return.

A draw, even after our penalty gaff, was the fair result for both teams but one lapse was enough to condemn us to an unreasonable defeat, with the final whistle in sight, and it's happened far too often for it to even be considered unfortunate. It's a jinx, I'd rather us get pummelled than befall Ls that aren't warranted, because it thoroughly undermines our gutsy efforts and that is unpardonable.

You can accept losses if we're well and truly beaten, without a whimper, however this is a result that feels even worse than a 5-0 thrashing because principally, we didn't deserve to depart Tyneside with nothing to show for it, other than a scornful penalty fiasco. We grind out gritty wins, so why can't we cling onto honourable draws? It's a complex that has to be straightened out, we've been an outstanding to date but along the way, unceremoniously, our game management past the 85th minute has been a concern and it has to be addressed.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-01-16-positives-and-negatives-newcastle-united-1-0-fulham/

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Fulham among clubs tracking Norwich City man

Max Aarons was scouted by 14 clubs in Norwich City's 4-0 demolition job of Preston North End on Saturday afternoon at Deepdale, including one of the Premier League's surprise packages in Fulham, according to The Sun.

The 23-year-old has often been courted by big clubs across Europe, with Manchester United keen in recent times on securing his services.

However, his lack of attacking impetus under Dean Smith this season has seen him go under the radar for the most part – that is until he starred in David Wagner's first league match in charge this past weekend against the Lilywhites.

Aarons supplied two assists in the convincing victory, one which was watched by a whole host of scouts from different European clubs and teams in England, with Fulham one of those in attendance.

The Cottagers have exceeded expectations at the halfway stage of the Premier League season following last year's promotion, but they still have an issue at right-back with summer recruit Kevin Mbabu failing to impress, with midfielder Bobby De-Cordova Reid often filling in in the absence of Kenny Tete.

Marco Silva could now move for Aarons following his return to form, with his contract at Carrow Road set to expire in the summer of 2024.

The Verdict
With the contract of Aarons coming to an end currently within the next 18 months, Norwich have a big decision to make.

The defender could decide it is time for a change of scenery but they would surely rather get some money back for him rather than let him run down his contract and lose him on a free, so all avenues must be explored.

Interest from Fulham, who are by no means giants of the game but they have shown this season that they are a club on the up, could be head-turning as it seems like he would go in there and give Kenny Tete a real run for his money.

Norwich though will no doubt hold out for a decent eight-figure fee for perhaps their most valuable asset right now, and if they manage to keep hold of him then we have seen what he can do when he's given the license to attack – he could play a key part in the club's promotion push under Wagner.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/fulham-among-clubs-tracking-norwich-city-man/

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Fulham youngster set for Dutch loan move

Fulham youngster Ibane Bowat is set to join Dutch side Den Bosch on loan until the end of the season.

Den Bosch are 17th in the Eerste Divisie – the Netherlands' second tier of football.

The 20-year-old central defender had also attracted interest from sides in League One and the Scottish Premier League.

Bowat has been capped by Scotland at youth level and signed a new two-year deal, with a one-year option, with Fulham in July 2021.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-youngster-set-for-dutch-loan-move

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Bowat poised for Den Bosch loan
Fulham defender Ibane Bowat is braced to join Dutch second division outfit Den Bosch on loan for the remainder of this season.

The Scottish youth international, who can play either at left back or in the centre of defence, is poised to move to Holland for first-team football having featured regularly for Steve Wigley's under 21 side in the Premier League 2 top flight this term. Bowat, 20, is under contract at Craven Cottage until the end of this campaign – with Fulham holding an option to extend his current deal by a further year.


https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/bowat-poised-for-den-bosch-loan/

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Fulham charged with failing to control their players
Fulham are facing a Football Association charge of failing to control their players following Joao Felix's sending off in last week's derby victory over Chelsea.

Several members of Marco Silva's side surrounded referee David Coote after Felix's lunge at Kenny Tete in the 57th minute of the Craven Cottage clash.

A statement from the FA released earlier this afternoon read:

'Fulham Football Club has been charged with breaching FA Rule E20.1 during its Premier League game against Chelsea Football Club on Thursday 12 January 2023. It's alleged that Fulham Football Club failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 57th minute, and the club has until Thursday 19 January 2023 to respond."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/fulham-charged-with-failing-to-control-their-players/

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Pajaziti purler beats Palace
A terrific strike from Adrion Pajaziti secured a big win for Fulham's under 21s at Crystal Palace tonight at Dulwich Hamlet.

An effort from Sonny Hilton – that was diverted home by a Palace defender – and Pajaziti's fine finish established a two-goal advantage for the visitors before the Eagles halved their arrears through in-form forward Victor Akinwale immediately afterwards.

Wigley recalled Alex Borto and Callum McFarlane and his side made a strong start. Matt Dibley-Dias cracked a shot against the crossbar before Borto made a simple save from Fionn Mooney at the other end of the field. The Whites should have gone ahead in the thirteenth minute after when a terrific cross from Hilton saw McFarlane's header clawed onto the woodwork by Palace goalkeeper Joe Whitworth, before the young striker blazed the rebound over from close range.

McFarlane then turned brilliantly before shooting at Whitworth after adventurous approach play from Luciano D'Auria-Henry. The visitors did take the lead after eighteen minutes when Hilton's corner appeared to go straight in, although there was a touch off the unfortunate Whitworth in the Palace goal. Kosovo midfielder Pajaziti quickly doubled the advantage with a fantastic strike from long-range.

Palace almost equalised before half-time when an audacious long-range free-kick from Mooney bounced down off the bar, hit the goal line and bounced away from danger. The hosts were much improved after the interval with Charlie Robinson recognising the danger and denying space for Mooney to shoot. Godo came close to a superb individual goal, dribbling past three Palace defenders and firing wide of the far post.

The hosts pushed to complete their comeback but Borto made a brilliant intervention to deny Akinwale a sight of goal and Wigley's defence held firm to register an impressive victory.

CRYSTAL PALACE UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Whitworth, Balmer, Grehan, Watson, Adaramola, Imray (Cadogan 68′), Mooney, Vigor (Raymond 88′), Rodney, Omilabu, Akinwale. Subs (not used): Izquierdo, Bell, Addae.

BOOKED: Imray, Rodney, Watson, Vigor, Raymond, Grehan.

GOAL: Akinwale (25).

FULHAM UNDER 21s (4-2-3-1): Borto, D'Auria-Henry, McAvoy, Araujo, Charlie Robinson, Hilton, Harris, Pajaziti, Godo (Sanderson 84), Dibley-Dias, McFarlane (Ablade 84). Subs (not used): Allen, de Fougorolles, Williams.

BOOKED: Dibley-Dias, McFarlane.

GOALS: Whitworth (og. 18), Pajaziti (24).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/pajaziti-purler-beats-palace/

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U21s Report: Stunning Fulham strike dents Palace's push for top spot

On a freezing cold Monday evening at Champion Hill, resilient Crystal Palace Under-21s side were undone by a stunning effort from Fulham's Adrion Pajaziti.

Summary

    Paddy McCarthy made two changes to the side, with Danny Imray and Noah Watson coming in

    Matt Dibley-Dias hit the crossbar for Fulham four minutes in

    Joe Whitworth parried a Callum McFarlane effort onto the post a quarter of an hour in

    The Cottagers took the lead in the 18th minute directly from a corner

    Adrion Pajaziti curled in a second for Fulham just five minutes later

    Palace pulled one back through Victor Akinwale immediately after Fulham's second

    Fionn Mooney's free-kick from 30-yards out just before half-time hit the bar

    Half-time: Crystal Palace 1-2 Fulham

    Martial Godo came close for Fulham shortly after the restart

    Whitworth saved an effort from Callum McFarlane on the hour mark

    Play was delayed due to an injury to Imray

    Palace enjoyed a good spell in the final 20 minutes, but couldn't find a breakthrough

    Full-time: Crystal Palace 1-2 Fulham

Just three days on from the draw with Sheffield United in the Premier League Cup, Palace's Under-21s were back in League action as they took on London rivals Fulham.

Manager Paddy McCarthy made two changes to the side, with Danny Imray and Noah Watson coming in for David Boateng and Ademola Ola-Adebomi.

Palace were struggling to get into the game in the opening quarter of an hour. Fulham hit the crossbar just four minutes in with a long-range curling effort from Matt Dibly-Dias, while Joe Whitworth was called into action to parry an effort from Callum McFarlane onto the post a few minutes later.

The Cottagers made their early pressure count and took the lead through Sonny Hilton. The midfielder scored directly from a Fulham corner, with the ball evading everyone as it nestled in the net.

Five minutes later, Fulham added a second. Adrion Pajaziti found space in the centre of the park and managed to curl a spectacular effort in from 25-yards out.

The south Londoners were taken aback by the dominant Fulham start, but managed to pull one back immediately after Pajaziti's strike. A long ball over the top from Kofi Balmer picked out Imray on the right hand-side, who in turn slid it across the box for Victor Akinwale to finish from close range.

Momentum swung Palace's way after halving the deficit. Akinwale was brought down just before the break and Fionn Mooney stepped up to fire a free-kick from 30-yards goalbound. His effort came so close to levelling the score as it cannoned back out into play off the underside of the crossbar.

After the interval the two sides were going toe to toe in search of another goal. An effort from Fulham's Callum McFarlane was well-saved and held on to by Whitworth on the hour-mark, while Mooney saw an effort charged down from the edge of the box.

Imray provided width and a threat down the right-hand side for Palace and came close to providing an equaliser. He cut the ball back across the goal for Tayo Adaramola, who saw his effort on goal blocked, and a follow-up effort from Matty Vigor was turned behind for a corner.

After a brief delay in play due to an injury to Imray, Palace continued to probe in search of an equaliser. Akinwale couldn't get on the end of a well-worked Palace move down the left, while astute defending from captain Kofi Balmer and Seán Grehan prevented the visitors from extending their lead.

It wasn't to be for Palace, as the referee brought an end to proceedings after three minutes of time added on. The result means that the Under-21s remain in fourth place in the Premier League 2 Division 1, four points adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Crystal Palace: Whitworth, Imray (Cadogan, 68), Grehan, Balmer, Watson, Adaramola, Vigor (Raymond, 88), Rodney, Omilabu, Akinwale, Mooney.

Subs not used: Izquierdo, Addae, Bell.

Fulham: Borto, Henry, Araujo, Robinson, McAvoy, Dibley-Dias, Hilton, Pajaziti, McFarlane (Sanderson, 84), Harris, Godo (Ablade, 84).

Subs not used: Allen, Williams, De Fougerolles.



https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/crystal-palace-v-fulham-under-21s-in-the-premier-league-2-division-1-22-23/

[Bill2]

You may have missed Newcastle United's 'timeout tactic' that left Fulham raging – but it's pure genius from Eddie Howe
Newcastle United appeared to engineer a timeout against Fulham to buy time for Eddie Howe to speak to his team – and it upset the Cottagers' coaching staff

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has got his tactics spot on this season – both while the ball is in play and otherwise.

The Toon chief masterminded yet another win at the weekend over Fulham to solidify the Magpies' place in the top four but with the clash poised in the balance in the first half, Howe and assistant Jason Tindall appeared to orchestrate a quick move to buy their side some time and get a quick team talk in ahead of the break.

The Sky Sports team completely missed it – as did a lot of fans actually in the ground. But some eagle-eyed supporters noticed something fishy going on, all stemming from Nick Pope putting in a glorious, Oscar-season cameo...

It all started when Newcastle won a corner. Magpies assistant Tindall called over goalkeeper Pope for instruction, who jogged back to his net to watch the set piece. As soon as the home team lose the ball, Pope sat down.

The Newcastle bench then gestured to the referee that their goalkeeper needs attention and the game is brought to a swift halt. Is there anything wrong with Pope, though?

The Sky commentary team, you may remember, note that the keeper has had relatively nothing to do all afternoon so they can't work out how he's pulled up with something wrong. It could have been that jog back to the goal... but substitute Martin Dubravka remains seated on the bench, with no one telling him to warm up. Clearly, Howe and co. are not too worried about the England No.2.

Meanwhile, the Newcastle players are now receiving instructions from Howe, 10 minutes early, around the 35th minute. Except Joelinton, who's loitering much closer to the Fulham huddle.

Is it a coincidence that the Toon send one of their Portuguese-speaking stars to stand in close enough proximity to hear the away side and the Portuguese Marco Silva? Perhaps. Fulham coach Luis Boa Morte was seen to be unhappy with Joelinton during this moment, though. Yes, Boa is also Portuguese.

All a big conspiracy theory? Or the greatest timeout tactic you've heard this season in the Premier League?

That's not where the gamesmanship ended, either. Towards the end of the match, the BBC reported (opens in new tab) that "Newcastle told the officials Fulham had 12 players on the pitch." The referee was seen to be counting Fulham players over and over again, delaying the furious west Londoners from getting the game back underway in search of an equaliser.

Watch out for those pesky Magpies. As the banner reads, they're not here to be popular, they're here to compete...



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/you-may-have-missed-newcastle-uniteds-timeout-tactic-that-left-fulham-raging-but-its-pure-genius-from-eddie-howe

This does not surprise me, while Eddie Howe is a good manager he is a master of the dark arts I am sure Wilson's diving is down to his time with Howe at Bournemouth.  This indicates the sort of man I feel he is.

[hovewhite]

Dodgy all round Howe,but gets results.

[Bassey the warrior]

The fact that Howe had to resort to blatant cheating and presumably coaching his players to do the same (though Wilson has always been a diver) just shows how afraid he was of Fulham and the respect he had for us. We should take it as a compliment.

[Ronnief]

Fulham charged with failing to control their players
Fulham are facing a Football Association charge of failing to control their players following Joao Felix's sending off in last week's derby victory over Chelsea.

Several members of Marco Silva's side surrounded referee David Coote after Felix's lunge at Kenny Tete in the 57th minute of the Craven Cottage clash.

A statement from the FA released earlier this afternoon read:

'Fulham Football Club has been charged with breaching FA Rule E20.1 during its Premier League game against Chelsea Football Club on Thursday 12 January 2023. It's alleged that Fulham Football Club failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 57th minute, and the club has until Thursday 19 January 2023 to respond."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/01/fulham-charged-with-failing-to-control-their-players/

Surely if Fulham are to be charged with failing to control their players in an orderly fashion then Newcastle should be similarly charge for their conduct after the penalty decision, as should other clubs when they harass the ref,