Sunday Fulham Stuff - 29/01/23...

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FA Cup

Saturday
Fulham	1-1	Sunderland

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Fulham 1-1 Sunderland

Fulham fought back to earn a replay as they avoided a shock FA Cup fourth-round defeat at home to Championship play-off hopefuls Sunderland.

Jack Clarke's early goal looked to have put a youthful Black Cats side on course for a memorable win in west London, with the winger capitalising on Issa Diop's mistake to win the ball before calmly placing his effort past home goalkeeper Marek Rodak.

However, the hosts, who enjoyed the majority of possession, levelled things up just after the hour mark with captain Tom Cairney superbly evading two challenges before picking his spot in the left corner.

In a dramatic conclusion, 15-year-old Chris Rigg looked to have scored the winner for the visitors but his goal was ruled out with Abdoullah Ba off-side in the build-up, while Willian's effort for the hosts was tipped over.

Sunderland had looked capable of reaching the last 16 of the competition for the first time since 2015 - when they were a top-flight club - for much of the contest.

However, a draw was probably a fair reflection of an end-to-end encounter which saw both sides create some excellent goalscoring opportunities.

Honours even in throwback affair
While Fulham made seven changes to their starting line-up, they still showed plenty of fluency with the ball - albeit a lack of finishing prowess when it mattered.

Tosin Adarabioyo headed over from five yards and Harry Wilson spent much of the afternoon engaged in a personal duel with Anthony Patterson, with the Sunderland goalkeeper denying him on four occasions.

Andreas Pereira's volley was brilliantly cleared off the line by visiting defender Dan Ballard and it looked like it might end up as a frustrating afternoon until Cairney's composed intervention.

Aleksandar Mitrovic went close after coming on and fellow substitute Willian saw a fizzing effort tipped over with virtually the last kick of a frenetic encounter.

"It was a typical FA Cup match," said Fulham manager Marco Silva. "It was too open for a manager to like and we gave a goal too early. We created enough chances to score but gave them more chances than we would like."

Sunderland more than played their part in a what felt like a throwback match, with both sides appearing to show little caution as they pursued goals.

Amad Diallo and the influential Patrick Roberts typically came to the fore for Tony Mowbray's side which contained seven players aged 22 or younger at kick-off.

A superb Roberts run down the right ended with Diallo driving a near-post effort wide and the on-loan Manchester United winger also forced Rodak into two fine saves at the start of the second period prior to Fulham's equaliser.

Pierre Ekwah and Roberts both had late chances and the only major disappointment for Mowbray was the first-half loss of their injured top scorer Ross Stewart, who was stretchered off with a suspected Achilles injury.

"A team of kids came to a team that are flying in the Premier League and gave a good account of themselves," said Mowbray.

"I am proud. They beat Chelsea here a couple of weeks ago. Our number nine went off. If Ross [Stewart] stayed on the pitch there is a fair chance some of those chances would have fallen to him and he would have finished them. We created some amazing chances."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64438659

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Post-Sunderland Press Conference

Marco Silva felt Fulham were the better side in our 1-1 draw with Sunderland, but was frustrated with how many shots the visitors were able to get off.

It was an entertaining FA Cup clash that saw 39 efforts on goal, 17 of which were created by the Mackems, which was too many for Silva's liking.

"It was an intense game, a typical FA Cup match," he said. "We were more dominant, to be honest that was our obligation, but I believe the game was too broken, for me as a manager, to enjoy.

"We conceded a cheap goal, gave a goal to them. We created a scenario where we were being more dominant, pushing them back, and showing the quality to break their organisation and create some chances.

"Overall in the game, I think we have created enough chances to score more goals. But in the other side, I think we gave many, many moments for them as well.

"In some moments we gave the ball away so easily, and in some duels, some challenges, we have to be much more aggressive to not let them create the spaces.

"We lost some important challenges, and that was the part of the game that I really didn't like. I think the space between our backline and our midfielders was too big in some moments.

"That space there between the lines, we gave many times for the shots for the striker to connect, when [Amad] Diallo received behind our two midfielders, and in that situation they created some moments, more than just moments on the counter-attack.

"They have that quality in those areas, but it's something that we clearly have to improve on and do much better.

"We were not able to win and to go through this evening, so what we couldn't do this afternoon, we have to do in 10 days.

"We had the chance in 90 minutes to do it. We didn't, and now we have to in 10 or 15 days [in the replay]."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/january/28/post-sunderland-press-conference/

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Fulham 1-1 Sunderland

Tom Cairney's first goal of the season saw Fulham come from behind to draw with Sunderland in the Emirates FA Cup.

The Black Cats had led early on when Jack Clarke slotted home, but they had Anthony Patterson in goal to thank for preserving their lead with a string of good saves.

We had to wait until the hour mark to get a deserved equaliser, but it was worth the wait as Cairney danced his way through the defence before smashing home.

Either side could have won it thereafter, with the Whites creating the better openings, but in the end there was nothing to separate the teams, and a replay at the Stadium of Light beckons.

There was scarcely a minute played when Patterson was called into action for the first time. Relentless pressing of Amad Diallo from João Palhinha saw the Portuguese win possession high up the pitch and feed Carlos Vinicius. He in turn laid the ball off to Harry Wilson, but it was a difficult hit and he could only prod straight at Patterson.

The Mackems drew first blood, though, five minutes later. Clarke caught Issa Diop in possession on the edge of the box to find himself in on goal, with the winger coolly placing the ball past the onrushing Marek Rodák.

Tosin very nearly providing the perfect response when he made sure he got on the end of Andreas Pereira's delivery, but he headed down into the ground and it bounced over.

With a trip to Chelsea just around the corner, there was concern when Palhinha went down off the ball, but he managed to run the injury off, promptly unleashing an ambitious strike from distance that cleared the target.

Some vintage Wilson followed as he cut inside and opened his body up 20 yards from goal, but his well hit effort didn't quite have enough curl to find the top corner.

Layvin Kurzawa almost made it two goals in as many FA Cup games when he sprang highest to meet Andreas' corner, but he could only glance wide.

Sunderland hadn't threatened since their goal but they very nearly doubled their lead before half-time when Patrick Roberts teed up Diallo in the box, but he dragged his shot wide of the near post.

We then went straight up the other end and came agonisingly close to the equaliser. Andreas got his head over the ball to keep his volley from Solomon's cross down – he beat the goalkeeper but Daniel Ballard made a terrific block on the line, and got a slice of fortune with it as it bounced against Patterson to prevent it from going in.

Roberts and Diallo had linked up well in the first half, and that combination threatened us again early in the second, but once more Diallo snatched at his shot following a dangerous run by his teammate.

At the other end, a cute Vinicius flick created some space for Cairney. He in turn found Wilson who saw his swerving strike beaten away by Patterson.

It had been an end-to-end start to the half, with the Black Cats next to have go. Diallo found the target this time, but Rodák was equal to it, as he was when Roberts took aim moments later.

Fulham countered from the corner that followed and Wilson showed great pace to get beyond the last man, but Patterson got a strong hand to push it behind.

Diallo called Rodák into action again with a powerful strike in the 55th minute. It had too much venom for the Fulham 'keeper to hold, but he recovered brilliantly to punch it off the toes of Clarke who had looked certain to score.

Roberts then ran half the length of the pitch before picking his spot on the edge of the box, but thankfully the former Whites man drilled wide.

Patterson followed that by denying Wilson for a third time, covering his bases well to absorb the winger's right-footed effort.

The next goal was going to be crucial, and it went our way. A classy touch from Solomon sent Kurzawa scampering down the left wing, and his pass in-field was perfect for Cairney, who danced beyond two challenges before rifling inside the near post.

Silva made clear his intention to avoid a replay by introducing Aleksandar Mitrović, and it wasn't long before he got involved, laying off to Andreas who saw his low shot saved by Patterson.

The Mackems stopper was at it again with quarter of an hour to play, getting across well to repel a direct free-kick from substitute Willian, after Palhinha had been fouled 20 yards out.

Solomon had enjoyed a lively afternoon and came close to capping it with a goal, but his snapshot from Kenny Tete's cross was smothered by Patterson.

The Dutchman was at it again soon after, hanging up a cross for Mitrović but he could only find the grateful palms of Patterson with his header.

The entire Putney End was packed with a vociferous travelling support, and they were on their feet when Pierre Ekwah saw his shot deflect over, with Ballard's header from the subsequent corner held by Rodák.

15-year-old Christopher Rigg thought he'd won the tie in stoppage time when he lashed home from Diallo's cutback, but the Manchester United loanee was miles offside and it was ruled out.

It had been a terrific contest and there was still time for more Fulham chances. Patterson had been Sunderland's star man all day, though, and he continued in that vein with a great reaction to deny Bobby De Cordova-Reid's improvised effort, which he followed up with a smart reflex stop to push Willian's rising drive over the top.

It would have been the perfect end to an exhilarating match but it just wasn't to be, with a replay now necessary to see who takes their place in Round Five.

Fulham FC: Rodák, Tete, Diop, Tosin, Kurzawa, Wilson (Willian 69'), João Palhinha (Reed 78'), Andreas Pereira, Solomon, Cairney (De Cordova-Reid 78'), Carlos Vinícius (Mitrović 64')

Subs: Mitrović, Reed, James, Willian, Duffy, Harris, Leno, Ream, De Cordova-Reid

Sunderland: Patterson, Hume, Batth, Alese (Huggins 45'), Ballard, Diallo, Michut (Ekwah 77'), Roberts (Rigg 86'), Neil, Clarke (Bennette 77'), Stewart (Ba 20')

Subs: Ekwah, Ba, Bennette, Huggins, Johnson, Kelly, Watson, Bass, Rigg



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/january/28/Fulham-1-1-Sunderland/

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Fulham draw with Sunderland in FA Cup

Fulham had to come from behind to secure an FA Cup fourth-round replay against Championship side Sunderland.

Captain Tom Cairney's terrific effort after an hour finally cancelled out an early opener from Jack Clarke.

The Whites – who rested a number of regular first-team players, including top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic and Tim Ream – were caught out on just six minutes when Issa Diop was robbed of possession on the right, allowing Clarke to stride forward into the penalty area and slide the ball home.

Tosin Adarabioyo almost nudged a stunned Fulham level from close range Fulham began to dominate the majority of the first half.

And four minutes before the break, Black Cats defender Daniel Ballard did superbly well to clear a well-struck Andreas Pereira volley off the line to deny the hosts an equaliser.

The second half started brightly at both ends with, firstly, Harry Wilson denied by a fine save by Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson, before Marek Rodak parried a couple of dangerous low shots from Amad Diallo.

Fulham finally emerged with an equaliser. Cairney managed to wriggle past the attentions of a couple of Sunderland defenders just inside the penalty area before despatching a left footed drive low into the corner of the net.

Fulham: Rodak, Tete, Diop, Kurzawa, Adarabioyo, Palhinha (Reed 77), Cairney (Decordova-Reid 77), Wilson (Willian 68), Pereira, Solomon, Vinicius (Mitrovic 63)



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-need-cairney-equaliser-to-secure-fa-cup-replay

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Fulham 1-1 Sunderland: Captain Tom Cairney scores superb individual goal to earn Marco Silva's side an FA Cup fourth round replay after Jack Clarke's opener

    Tom Cairney earned Fulham a replay with individual effort on the hour mark
    Sunderland had threatened to cause an upset with Jack Clarke's early strike
    The visitor's 15-year-old substitute Chris Rigg saw a goal ruled out for offsid

For all the talk of the magic of the cup, this tie very nearly had the most magical of endings when 15-year-old Chris Rigg put the ball in the back of the net in the 90th minute in front of just shy of six thousand Sunderland fans housed in the Putney End at Craven Cottage.

If the goal stood, Rigg would have become the youngest goalscorer in FA Cup history. As it was, the goal was disallowed with Abdoullah Ba offside in the build-up and Fulham and Sunderland will have to do it all again at the Stadium of Light after a crazy game that had 39 attempts yet somehow ended one apiece.

'Riggy goes to school and get two days of day release a week where he trains with our first team. The rest of the time, he's at school,' said Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray.


Tom Cairney levelled for Fulham to earn the Premier League side a replay against Sunderland


Jack Clarke gave Sunderland a sixth minute lead after an error from Fulham's Issa Diop

'When he came on at Shrewsbury, we were 1-0 down and we won the game 2-1 in his ten-minute spell. I felt he maybe had that bit of magic to come on and change the game so we wouldn't have needed a replay. The age is irrelevant for me. He brings energy as he showed and what a story that would have been - a 15-year-old boy coming on and scoring the winner.'

This was a proper cup tie. Jack Clarke's early goal gave the visitors the lead before a moment of brilliance from Fulham captain Tom Cairney levelled the game on the hour mark. Either side of Cairney's equaliser was a thrilling end-to-end contest that was like pinball in the latter stages as both sides threw everything in their hunt for a deciding goal.

Even Marco Silva struggled to make sense of it all. 'A strange game, a typical FA Cup match if I may say,' insisted the Fulham manager. 'The game was too broken for me to enjoy as a manager,' he admitted.

It has been 50 years since Sunderland won the FA Cup and their impressive display was perhaps marred by a first-half injury to talisman Ross Stewart but they can hold their heads high. The Black Cats priority lies in the Championship but Mowbray's youthful side - which finished with nine players aged 22 or younger at full - showed no signs of taking this competition lightly.

A replay was the least that they and their magnificent travelling support deserved.

'It was an extraordinarily young team who put in a good performance,' said Mowbray. 'If anything, there's a bit of frustration that we didn't see the game through.'

Silva made seven changes from the side that lost to Tottenham while Mowbray made just the one alteration from the team that beat Middlesbrough last weekend.

And it took just six minutes for the Sunderland fans who had made the trip down to West London to be rewarded when Clarke nicked the ball off Issa Diop and calmly finished past Marek Rodak.

Just as it looked like everything was going to plan for the visitors, Stewart pulled up inside the Fulham box. You couldn't help but feel like it was a pivotal moment in their season. Despite missing 15 league games this campaign, his tally of 10 goals in the Championship gives the 'Loch Ness Drogba' the best minutes-per-goal ratio in the division.

Still Sunderland posed a persistent threat, particularly down the right flank, with their quick link-up play.


Captain Cairney showed superb footwork in the box before firing the Premier League side level


The Fulham midfielder celebrated his first goal of the season in front of the home supporters

Patrick Roberts, formerly of Fulham, was a handful all afternoon and he set up Amad Diallo but the Man Utd loanee dragged his shot wide.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11687151/Fulham-1-1-Sunderland-Tom-Cairney-scores-earn-Marco-Silvas-FA-Cup-fourth-round-replay.html

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Fulham 1-1 Sunderland: Thrilling game overshadowed by Stewart injury

DESPITE a fantastic performance that highlighted the direction in which this exciting Sunderland side are heading and a draw that was the least the Black Cats deserved, the enduring emotion from Craven Cottage may well prove to be despair.

There was so much to like from Mowbray's side against their Premier League hosts. They played fast, fearless, attacking football and had more than enough chances to book their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first in eight years.

And yet the many positives are sadly overshadowed by the nightmare first half sight of star striker Ross Stewart being stretchered off injured. In the week that captain Corry Evans was ruled out for the rest of the season, this looked like another hammer blow for the Black Cats.

Of course, it's still too early to know for sure and everyone associated with Sunderland will hope Stewart's injury doesn't turn out to be serious. But the early signs didn't look good. The striker pulled up chasing a loose ball, immediately went down and looked in real discomfort as he was treated before being taken off.

Just a day off Joe Gelhardt was signed to provide support for Stewart, the Leeds loanee may now find himself thrust into a leading role. And Sunderland may yet have to dip back into the transfer market.  Perhaps an Ellis Simms return remains a possibility after all.

And yet Mowbray's immediate thoughts will no doubt be with Stewart, who has been in blistering form since returning from his three-month lay-off.

It's a shame that such an injury blow will take a shine off what was a superb Sunderland performance. Yes, this was a much-changed Fulham team, but it was still extremely strong. And Sunderland gave as good as they got in what was a thrilling cup tie. If the replay is anything like this game then make sure you watch it, Tom Cairney ensuring these teams will go again at the Stadium of Light after cancelling out Jack Clarke's first half opener.

Sunderland had more than enough chances to win it, and yet could easily have lost it had it not been for the excellence of Anthony Patterson between the posts.

Mowbray was forced into making the one and only change to his starting XI, with injured captain Evans replaced by Edouard Michut.

New signing Pierre Ekwah was named on a very youthful bench, which included 15-year-old Chris Rigg, 16-year-old Thomas Watson, two 18-year-olds and two 19-year-olds. Twenty-two year-old Niall Huggins was the elder statesman among the substitutes.

Fulham's bench was far stronger, packed with regular first team starters with Marco Silva having opted to make seven changes, leaving out top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic, among others.

He must soon have wondered whether he'd made the right call, for within six minutes his side were behind. Fulham like to play easy on the eye football but Sunderland didn't travel to the capital with the intention of admiring the Premier League hosts and letting them have it all their own way, as Isso Diop discovered early on.

The centre-half was far too casual in possession midway inside his own half and was punished, Clarke stealing the ball and keeping his cool, slotting it beyond Marek Rodak

The 6,000 away fans, boisterous enough before the goal, were buzzing. But delight turned to concern in the stands and devastation on the pitch when Stewart was stretchered off.

With Gelhardt cup-tied and Isaac Lihadji not in the squad, Mowbray was forced into a rethink, Abdoullah Ba introduced and goalscorer Clarke moved through the middle.

Despite the Stewart setback, Sunderland were good value for their half-time lead.

Fulham had their moments, as you'd expect, and shifted through the gears as the first half went on, but other than a vicious Andreas Pereira volley that was brilliantly blocked on the line by Dan Ballard, the home side were largely limited to hopeful efforts from distance and crosses. The visitors defended superbly – and retained a threat on the counter.

Just before the Pereira volley, Amad almost doubled Sunderland's lead when he fired wide after good work from ex-Fulham man Patrick Roberts down the right. And the Manchester United loanee went close again on the stroke of half-time when his shot was blocked inside the box.

The second half started as the first had finished, with chances at both ends. Ba fired just wide for Sunderland after brilliant build-up from Roberts, before Wilson was denied by a fine Patterson save as he looked to find the top corner.

Sunderland had no intention of sitting back and trying to soak up the pressure. They came again, this time through Amad, jinking this way and that, forcing a save out of Rodak. Back came Fulham, through Wilson again, denied by Patterson again. It was a thrilling watch.

The home fans know exactly what Roberts is capable of and he set off on a brilliant solo run, inches away from finding the bottom corner.

And on the hour mark, Sunderland were made to pay for their missed chances, Fulham working the ball to captain Cairney inside the box, who steadied himself before lashing past Patterson.

After levelling, Fulham went for the jugular, Mitrovic introduced and Willian soon after, but the brilliant Patterson kept them out. And the home side couldn't commit too many bodies, for Sunderland were such a threat on the break.

Substitute Chris Rigg was introduced for the final stages and had the ball in the net in stoppage time but was denied what would have been a sensational winner by the offside flag.

At the other end, with just seconds remaining, Willian and Mitrovic were denied by two outstanding saves from Patterson.



https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/23283421.fulham-1-1-sunderland-thrilling-game-overshadowed-stewart-injury/

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Cairney's classy finish is only good enough to secure Fulham a second chance against Sunderland

FA Cup Fourth Round

Fulham (0) 1 Cairney 61

Sunderland (1) 1 Clarke 6



Tom Cairney's sublime finish spared the Whites a fourth-round exit at the hands of vibrant Championship opponents Sunderland.

The Fulham skipper has endured a difficult campaign – starting only once in the Premier League and having to accept a bit-part role as a sub. But here he showed again the class and calmness he possesses to save the day.

Taking delivery of a pass from wide on the left from Layvin Kurzawa, he managed to side-step two defenders before drilling low into the bottom corner.

Having trailed since the sixth minute, home fans must have been expecting the top-flight team to go on and win it, but Sunderland remained steadfast and kept attacking at every opportunity.

A replay at the Stadium of Light was fully merited by the underdogs.

The Whites were stunned after six minutes when Issa Diop's carelessness paved the way for Jack Clarke to bear down on goal unopposed before firing low past Marek Rodak's left hand.

The defender dithered on the ball and Clarke dispossessed him before racing on to finish smartly.

The Black Cats, backed by a packed Putney End stand, suffered a blow when top scorer Ross Stewart twisted an ankle and had to leave with the game only 18 minutes old. Tony Mowbray's side had no spare strikers on the subs bench either. But they made light of that disadvantage and their positive play deserved more goals.

Tosin went close for Fulham with a header and a neat exchange of passes with Andreas Pereira gave Harry Wilson an opening – which the winger curled just wide of the angle of crossbar and post.

Slowly, Fulham appeared to be taking control and they looked destined to draw level before the interval when Pereira was on the end of a Manor Solomon cross from the left byline but saw his powerful volley from 12 yards kept out by Danny Ballard on the goal line.

At the other end, Amad Diallo kept Fulham on their toes with his sharpness during several quick raids. In one of them, fashioned by former Fulham player Patrick Roberts, the nimble front man snatched at the chance, pulling a left-foot shot wide from close range.

In the second half, there was another warning when Abdoullah Ba almost capped a move with a goal – his far-post strike off target - and Diallo pinged another shot into Rodak's legs as the visitors refused to merely sit on their lead.

Roberts then went close to doubling the lead with a run from half way which ended with a daisy cutter which was inches outside the far post. The near-misses eventually cost them.

Wilson might have made it 1-1 with a curler which forced Anthony Patterson into a leaping save and he had another dart at goal which needed more alert keeping from the Fulham stopper.

But the Whites finally drew level  and the hosts looked like they had finally cracked it, especially as Marco Silva now sent on the reinforcements.

Aleksandar Mitrovic, Willian, Reid and Reed came on. Soon, Willian was bending in a free-kick that almost found the net. Solomon's first-time effort from a Kenny Tete cross almost won it.

In a frantic finish, Reid almost found the net with a chested deflection and Willian rifled at goal only to see his effort tipped over.

But defeat at the last would have been rough on a very impressive Sunderland, who have now not lost an away game since  a mid-October visit to Blackburn - a run of eight matches.

Whites: (4-2-3-1) Rodak – Tete, Diop, Tosin, Kurzawa – Palhinha (Reed 77), Cairney (Decordova-Reid 78)– Wilson (Willian 69), Pereira, Solomon – Vinicius (Mitrovic 64). Subs not used: Leno, Duffy, Ream, James, Harris

Black Cats: (4-2-3-1) Patterson – Hume, Ballard, Batth, Alese (Huggins h/t) – Michut (Ekwah 77) Neil – Roberts (Rigg 86), Diallo, Clarke (Bennette 77) – Stewart (Ba 20). Subs not used: Bass, Kelly, Johnson, Watson

Attendance: 22,905



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/cairney-s-classy-finish-is-only-good-enough-to-secure-fulham-a-second-chance-against-sunderland

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Fulham 1-1 Sunderland: Tom Cairney's equaliser earns FA Cup replay for the Cottagers

Fulham and Sunderland could not be separated at Craven Cottage so they will battle it out in a FA Cup fourth round replay next month.

Ex-Tottenham player Jack Clarke capitalised on a defensive error to fire Sunderland in front early on.

This sparked Fulham into life and Tom Cairney netted with a low shot to make it 1-1 with around half an hour to go.

While neither side will have wanted to add to their already congested fixture schedule, they will now have to face each other again to decide which team will progress to the fifth round of the competition.

Fulham started the game on the front foot as they looked to return to winning ways following successive 1-0 defeats to Tottenham and Newcastle.

Manager Marco Silva made seven changes to his starting XI, but it was Sunderland who took an early lead.

Clarke capitalised on a mistake from Issa Diop, taking the ball off the Fulham defender before running in on goal and slotting past Marek Rodak.

Fulham almost equalised in the 14th minute but Tosin Adarabioyo's header from an Andreas Pereira cross bounced into the ground and over goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and the crossbar.

Ross Stewart was then carried off the field on a stretcher with what appeared to be an ankle problem, forcing Sunderland into their first substitution of the game and denying him the chance of adding to his tally of 10 goals in 13 games this season.

Fulham had another good chance on the stroke of half time from a quick run down the left wing from Manor Solomon, who pulled the ball back to Pereira but his shot was expertly blocked on the line by Daniel Ballard.

Harry Wilson also had an opportunity for the hosts when he was picked out by Cairney on the right hand side, cutting inside to create space to shoot and forcing Patterson into a good save.

Patterson denied Wilson again minutes later when he came off his line to close the angle for the Fulham winger.

Sunderland almost doubled their lead when they caught Fulham on the break, with Patrick Roberts winning the ball, running through most of the home side's half before taking a shot, which was just wide of Rodak's goal.

However, Fulham eventually levelled from a clever piece of individual skill from Cairney just after the hour mark.

The midfielder was picked out by Layvin Kurzawa in the box but still had a lot of work to do, weaving his way past two defenders to create space before firing past Patterson.

Silva brought on Aleksandar Mitrovic and Willian in an attempt to force a finish, and Fulham's leading goalscorer did send a header straight at Patterson from a Kenny Tete cross.

Sunderland thought they had scored the winner when 15-year-old Christopher Rigg had the ball in the back of the net in the 90th minute, but the goal was rightly ruled out for offside to ensure a replay will be needed at the Stadium of Light.



https://www.football365.com/news/fulham-1-1-sunderland-tom-cairney-equaliser-earns-fa-cup-replay-cottagers

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Fulham 1-1 Sunderland: Tom Cairney salvages FA Cup replay with late strike after Issa Diop error

Black Cats denied a shock win against in-form Premier League side

Fulham manager Marco Silva says his side were "too open" as they left it late to salvage their FA Cup hopes against Sunderland.

A late goal from Tom Cariney took the Championship side to a replay.

Sunderland took the lead in the sixth minute when Jack Clarke capitalised on a defensive error to fire his side in front.

The early blow seemed to spark Fulham into life although they had to be patient, with a number of chances scuppered before Cairney cleverly created space in the box and hit a low shot into the back of the net to level matters in the 61st minute.

While neither side will have wanted to add to their already congested fixture schedule, they will now have to face each other again to decide which team will progress to the fifth round of the competition.

Fulham started the game on the front foot as they looked to return to winning ways following successive 1-0 defeats to Tottenham and Newcastle.

Manager Marco Silva made seven changes to his starting XI, but it was Sunderland who took an early lead.

Clarke capitalised on a mistake from Issa Diop, taking the ball off the Fulham defender before running in on goal and slotting past Marek Rodak.

Fulham almost equalised in the 14th minute but Tosin Adarabioyo's header from an Andreas Pereira cross bounced into the ground and over goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and the crossbar.

Ross Stewart was then carried off the field on a stretcher with what appeared to be an ankle problem, forcing Sunderland into their first substitution of the game and denying him the chance of adding to his tally of 10 goals in 13 games this season.

Fulham had another good chance on the stroke of half time from a quick run down the left wing from Manor Solomon, who pulled the ball back to Pereira but his shot was expertly blocked on the line by Daniel Ballard.

Harry Wilson also had an opportunity for the hosts when he was picked out by Cairney on the right hand side, cutting inside to create space to shoot and forcing Patterson into a good save.

Patterson denied Wilson again minutes later when he came off his line to close the angle for the Fulham winger.

Sunderland almost doubled their lead when they caught Fulham on the break, with Patrick Roberts winning the ball, running through most of the home side's half before taking a shot, which was just wide of Rodak's goal.

However, Fulham eventually levelled from a clever piece of individual skill from Cairney just after the hour mark.

The midfielder was picked out by Layvin Kurzawa in the box but still had a lot of work to do, weaving his way past two defenders to create space before firing past Patterson.

Silva brought on Aleksandar Mitrovic and Willian in an attempt to force a finish, and Fulham's leading goalscorer did send a header straight at Patterson from a Kenny Tete cross.

Sunderland thought they had scored the winner when 15-year-old Christopher Rigg had the ball in the back of the net in the 90th minute, but the goal was rightly ruled out for offside to ensure a replay will be needed at the Stadium of Light.

"Typical FA Cup match," said Silva.

"We knew we would face a big club with a great fanbase. It was a too open for a manager to like and we gave a goal too early. In our offensive part we were dominant. We created enough chances to score but gave them more chances than we would like.

"We were not able to win the game this afternoon so have to do the job in 10-15 days away from home."

Additional reporting from PA



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-vs-sunderland-fa-cup-result-2023-b1056317.html

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Kieron Bowie: Northampton Town loan striker out for minimum of two months

Kieron Bowie joined Fulham's youth set-up after beginning his career at Raith Rovers

Northampton Town striker Kieron Bowie will be out for at least two months because of an unspecified injury.

The 20-year-old has scored four goals in 25 league appearances since arriving on loan from Fulham last summer.

He has not played since coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat at Stockport County on 14 January.

"He was injured in training, no-one really near him, but he won't be back within eight weeks," boss Jon Brady told BBC Radio Northampton.

"We certainly need some help in that department and the [transfer] dynamic might change from where we were looking earlier in the window."

The Cobblers remained in the third automatic promotion spot following Saturday's 2-0 win at Barrow.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64441914

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A-list celeb Hugh Grant stuck watching FA Cup tie with 'restricted Hugh' behind a pole

Hollywood actor Hugh Grant, star of Notting Hill and Love Actually, is a lifelong Fulham fan but was stuck behind a pole in one of the restricted view seats for their FA Cup clash against Sunderland


Hugh Grant was stuck behind a pole for Fulham's match vs Sunderland (Image: @paddypower/Twitter)

Tickets at Craven Cottage can cost a pretty penny these days.

But despite all his wealth and status, A-list Hollywood actor Hugh Grant still can't get a decent view to watch his beloved Fulham. The Notting Hill and Love Actually star attended the Cottagers' FA Cup fourth round clash against Sunderland on Saturday - but found himself stuck behind a pole!

Grant was seen peering his head around the obstructing post - part of the antique structure of Fulham's unique stadium. Fans were quick to jump on his unfortunate seating arrangement, with one quipping the actor had been given a "Restricted Hugh".

Another commented that Grant was in "pole position" as Fulham came from behind to earn a replay against their dogged Championship opponents. Sunderland looked like they could well cause an upset after taking the lead through Jack Clarke's goal just six minutes in.

Fortunately for Fulham, Tom Cairney pulled them back level with an equaliser just past the hour mark to set up a return tie at the Stadium of Light. Grant is a regular down at Craven Cottage and will no doubt be buoyed by their performances so far this season.

Marco Silva's men are flying high in the Premier League, currently sitting seventh in the table. Grant has been an avid follower of his team in years gone by and attended the Europa League final back in the 2009/10 season.

It appears the About A Boy heartthrob is such a big Fulham fan that he even helped his club out in their transfer dealings not so long ago. Fulham cult hero Robbie Herrera signed from QPR back in 1993 for a £60,000 fee - though the Cottagers were struggling to pay it... until Grant is alleged to have stepped in.



https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-sunderland-hugh-grant-facup-29075927

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Fulham submit bid to sign Andre

Fulham are closing in on a deal for Fluminense midfielder Andre this January

According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Premier League side Fulham are interested in securing the services of Fluminense midfielder Andre in the ongoing January transfer window.

The 21-year-old came through the ranks at the Brazilian club, making his first-team bow in the year 2020. He has since made 110 appearances for the side, scoring three goals and making three assists in the process. Fairly experienced for his age, it is about time that European clubs come calling.

Fulham are building a promising project under Marco Silva and looks likely to consolidate upon their Premier League status. The Cottagers sit in the seventh spot and have an outside shot at making Europe. Adding the right players to the roster this January will give them the impetus needed for that final push.

A central midfielder with excellent technical awareness, Andre's passing and reading of the game are top-notch. He had previously attracted attention from Liverpool, Barcelona and Ajax Amsterdam and landing him would be nothing short of a coup for Fulham.

The Cottagers' bid is to take the player on loan before making the deal permanent in the summer. Should it go through, it will set back Fulham around €20m, a decent fee given Andre's immense potential.

The personal terms have been shared with the agent, and it remains to be seen if it will be accepted without any hitches. More so, the player's representatives are already in the United Kingdom as talks continue. With the January transfer window just days away from closing, one would expect negotiations to pick up now.

Signing the player permanently in the summer makes sense for Fulham, who have Financial Fair Play to keep an eye on. Following the laws of the game makes it impossible for the Cottagers to splash the cash in January, meaning an immediate loan makes perfect sense.

The deal is still in the works and could go either way unless an agreement is reached. For now, Fulham are firmly in the driving seat and can land themselves a potential world-class player for a song.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/01/29/fulham-submit-bid-to-sign-fluminense-midfielder-andre/

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Fulham boss delivered this verdict on Sunderland draw and what he 'didn't like' from his side

Fulham boss Marco Silva was left frustrated with his team's performance as Sunderland secured a fully-deserved fourth round replay at the Stadium of Light.

Silva's side started brightly but fell behind when Jack Clarke pounced on Issa Diop's indecision to run through and open the scoring.

Sunderland created a number of opportunities in an open contest, but were eventually pegged back by a Tom Cairney goal in the second half.

"It was an intense game, a typical FA Cup match," Silva said.

"We were more dominant, to be honest that was our obligation, but I believe the game was too broken, for me as a manager, to enjoy.

"We conceded a cheap goal, gave a goal to them. We created a scenario where we were being more dominant, pushing them back, and showing the quality to break their organisation and create some chances.

"Overall in the game, I think we have created enough chances to score more goals. But in the other side, I think we gave many, many moments for them as well.

"In some moments we gave the ball away so easily, and in some duels, some challenges, we have to be much more aggressive to not let them create the spaces.

"We lost some important challenges, and that was the part of the game that I really didn't like. I think the space between our backline and our midfielders was too big in some moments.

"That space there between the lines, we gave many times for the shots for the striker to connect, when [Amad] Diallo received behind our two midfielders, and in that situation they created some moments, more than just moments on the counter-attack.

"They have that quality in those areas, but it's something that we clearly have to improve on and do much better," he added.

"We were not able to win and to go through this evening, so what we couldn't do this afternoon, we have to do in 10 days.

"We had the chance in 90 minutes to do it. We didn't, and now we have to in 10 or 15 days [in the replay]."




https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/fulham-boss-delivered-this-verdict-on-sunderland-draw-and-what-he-didnt-like-from-his-side-4005346