Sunday Fulham Stuff - 05/02/23...

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Results

Saturday
Everton	1-0	Arsenal
Villa	2-4	Leicester
Brentford	3-0	Southampton
Brighton	1-0	Bournemouth
Man Utd	2-1	Palace
Wolves	3-0	Liverpool
Newcastle	1-1	West Ham

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Chelsea 0-0 Fulham: Player ratings
Bernd Leno: The German goalkeeper didn't have a shot to save and got away with a rare error of judgement when he dashed out of his area and was rounded by substitute David Datro Fofano. Tim Ream bailed him out on that occasion but Leno has been largely outstanding since replacing Marek Rodak in the Fulham goal. It was a measure of how strong the Whites were defensively that he had so little to do. He claimed a couple of crosses with authority and denied Kai Havertz with his feet early on, although the Chelsea forward had been flagged offside. 6

Kenny Tete: This was the Dutch defender's strongest display in a Fulham shirt. He was flawless in a storming showing along the right flank. He burst forward from right back regularly in the first half as the visitors got plenty of joy down Chelsea's left flank, forcing Graham Potter to replace Mykhailo Mudryk at half time. Tete was largely untroubled by Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling, winning his individual battles – and positioned himself perfectly at the back post to head away the danger when a Reece James cross seemed destined for the home debutant. 10

Issa Diop: A diligent defensive display from the Frenchman, who has really grown into his role at the heart of the defence. Even when he was beaten by Fofana in the penalty area he had the presence of mind to force the Ivorian wide, making his finish far more difficult than it might have been. Diop was composed in possession and one of the highlights of the evening saw him break up a Chelsea attack and then sprint seventy yards to support a Fulham break along the right flank. 8

Tim Ream: What can you say about the ageless American who seems to get better and better every week? Back in the team for the derby and he was a rock in the middle of an resolute Fulham defence. He got a crucial toe to Mason Mount's ball to deny Havertz the simplest of finishes into an empty net and was in the right place to block Fofana's shot after the substitute had gone round Leno and beaten Diop. Superb. 9

Antonee Robinson: Another enterprising display from the left back who has been one of Fulham's most consistent performers this season. His pace posed a real threat to Chelsea in the first half and one rapid run saw him unfortunate to carry the ball just beyond the byline before he could cross after beating three defenders. Robinson did his defensive duties well, largely nullifying Hakim Ziyech and, as Silva would have wanted, was always looking to get forward where possible. 7

Harrison Reed: Another energetic display from Fulham's box-to-box battler. This wasn't the type of game where Reed would pop up on the edge of the Chelsea area, but the special one from Worthing understood his first job was to prevent the home side from getting any rhythm in central midfield. Strong in the tackle as always, Reed was a reliable distributor of the ball and was on hand to offer vital cover for the back four when Joao Palhinha had ventured upfield. 7

Joao Palhinha: Despite all of Chelsea's extravagant spending – or perhaps because of it – you'd struggle to find a better bargain on the pitch than the peerless Portuguese midfielder. Palhinha was tenacious in the tackle throughout and was slightly unfortunate to be yellow carded earlier, especially as most of the home side's cynicism went unpunished. The former Sporting schemer's will to win the ball was undimmed, though, and he kept pinching the ball from the opposition throughout a terrific display. Palhinha might have scored with a pair of late shots on another night, but this was another dominant display. 8

Bobby Decordova-Reid: The versatile Jamaican international has become an automatic pick on the right flank for Silva and he showed why last night. The bustling Bristolian covered every blade of grass in an assured performance that saw him cover for Tete effectively when the right back roamed upfield, but Decordova-Reid also had his moments in the final third. He nearly picked out Mitrovic with a low ball into the box as the Whites surprised Chelsea with a strong start to the second half and had a shot saved by Arrizabalaga after running 60 yards to get on the end of Willian's square ball. A typically reliable outing on his 150th Fulham performance. 7

Willian: The brilliant Brazilian continues to roll back the years, despite being 34 years of age. He caused James a world of problems on his return to Stamford Bridge, surging down the left flank regularly with real authority. Willian even wowed the home crowd with some vintage touches in the first half and raced clear of the Chelsea defence to set up a chance for Decordova-Reid after leading a second half break. Couldn't quite squeeze his shot past Arrizabalaga at the near post, but fully deserved his standing ovation when he took his leave late on. 8

Andreas Pereira: This perhaps wasn't the game for the Brazilian playmaker to show off the full range of his silky skills, but you couldn't fault Pereira's work ethic. The former Manchester United midfielder led the press with real energy and was unfortunate not to score when his low drive was parried away by Arrizabalaga in the first half. He kept buzzing around with intent until stoppage time, when he hobbled off with a combination of a minor knee problem and cramp. 7

Aleskandar Mitrovic: The Serbian striker both struggled for service and was well marshalled for much of this match by the experienced Thiago Silva. He looked short of a touch of sharpness, but still had a real influence on proceedings. Won his fair share of balls on the ground and in the air as a valuable out ball for Fulham's defence and almost got a shot away when Willian headed a ball across the box. Very nearly embarrassed Arrizabalaga with an audacious lob from inside his own half. 7

SUBSTITUTES:

Harry Wilson: Struggled to get up to the pace of proceedings after replacing Willian for the final quarter of an hour, but put himself in the right place as Fulham came under pressure late on. Picked up a late booking for stopping a Chelsea break and utilised his pace effectively at both ends of the field. 6

Manor Solomon: Another encouraging cameo off the bench for the Israeli international, who showed a couple of intelligent touches when he got down the left flank. Did his job defensively as well as the Whites claimed an important point. 6

Carlos Vinicius: Replaced Mitrovic right at the death and didn't have time to add to his only Fulham goal – the header that clinched the SW6 derby at Craven Cottage only a few weeks ago. His decision to dribble out of his own box deep into added time wasn't the brightest, but fortunately it didn't prove costly. 6

Tom Cairney: The briefest of outings for the captain, who threw himself into a couple of tackles in central midfield as Fulham fought ferociously to hold onto their share of spoils in the final stages. 6

Layvin Kurzawa: The French defender had only a couple of minutes on the pitch as a late substitute for Andreas Pereira. 6



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/chelsea-0-0-fulham-player-ratings-2/

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Michael Carrick discusses rarely-seen Fulham loanee's prospects at Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick says striker Rodrigo Muniz still has a part to play during his time on loan at the Championship club from Fulham.

Muniz joined 'Boro on a temporary deal until the end of the season back in the summer transfer window, but has since found game time hard to come by at The Riverside Stadium.

The Brazilian has made just 16 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring twice, and he hasn't started a game for 'Boro, since a defeat to Preston at the end of October, Carrick's first game in charge.

That had led to speculation that the 21-year-old could be recalled by Fulham in January, with a view to sending him out elsewhere for the second half of this season.

Ultimately though, no such deal materialised, and as such, the striker will now remain with 'Boro until the end of the campaign, where it seems Carrick does still have a plan for him.

Speaking about the potential part that Muniz still has to play for his side this season, the Middlesbrough boss told The Northern Echo: "Rodrigo has had a little bit of a knee problem so he hasn't been in and around the group, but he'll have a part to play just like every other player, 100 per cent.

"It's tough when the team is playing well and we have good options. We believe in Rodrigo, he's a terrific talent and can bring something different to us.

"I'm sure at some point during the season, however soon or maybe towards the end, he'll play a part.

"I've said all along we'll need everyone at some point in the season. Rodrigo is no different, he's a big part of what we do."

Middlesbrough are currently third in the Championship table, 12 points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

The Verdict
You get the feeling that there may be mixed views on these comments from Carrick for Muniz.

On the one hand, the fact that it does seem he will still get chances this season should be a relief, given he will no doubt be desperate to get back out on the pitch after such a frustrating period.

However, the fact Carrick is suggesting he may have to wait until later in the campaign may be a concern, given the player is going to want to be able to show what he can do as soon as possible.

With that in mind, you do wonder whether Muniz may be feeling some regret, about the fact that an alternative move was not found for him in the January window.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/michael-carrick-discusses-rarely-seen-fulham-loanees-prospects-at-middlesbrough/

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Chelsea: Mykhailo Mudryk let Potter down v Fulham

Chelsea were beset with further misery in the Premier League last night despite the lucrative influx on the transfer front last month, labouring to a 0-0 draw against west London rivals Fulham in a result which compounded their struggles this season.

The result now leaves Graham Potter's Blues with just three victories from their past 13 matches across all competitions, ninth in the league with just 30 points from 21 matches played.

With Liverpool and Aston Villa holding games in hand on their west London counterparts, Chelsea could even find themselves as low as 11th in the table by 5pm this evening.

£107m January signing Enzo Fernandez impressed with his ball-playing prowess and all-embracing central work, but £88.5m acquisition Mykhailo Mudryk – who was making his full debut for the club – certainly had a match to forget along the left flank.

Substituted at half-time, the fleet-footed winger was startlingly subpar after glistening during his cameo appearance against Liverpool in his other Premier League outing. Against Marco Silva's Fulham, though the winger was indeed "swallowed", as remarked by FIFA journalist Sulaiman Pooja Adebayo.

As per Sofascore, the 22-year-old's 6.4 match rating was an encapsulation of his woes on the night, with a dreadful display from Kai Havertz the only lower rating for the Blues. Indeed, Mudryk managed only 19 touches during his 45 minutes of action, completing 11 of his 16 passes (69%), winning just one of his six duels and failing to register a single shot or create a big chance.

In the few moments where play fell promisingly to Mudryk, he failed to utilise the opportunities. In one instance, he thumped a threaded pass to Havertz – who had drifted into space between the resolute Fulham backline – with far too much power, leaving the German with little chance of controlling the ball gliding into an area of direct threat.

Match co-commentator Gary Neville was certainly left unimpressed with the £97k-per-week Ukrainian's performance, remarking during the contest, via Sky Sports Live Blog (21:02), that "Mudryk has had a poor first half and he's off – that's what you can do when have so many riches on the bench."

Chelsea's expansive pool of talent is brimming with quality unrivalled by all but a select few prestigious clubs across Europe, which will only enhance the frustration as the Blues failed to beat their local rivals yet again this season.

While the prospect of Champions League football next term appears more forlorn with each passing week, it seems a matter of when and not if the pieces of the puzzle will fall into place and Chelsea will finally unleash their full might ahead of the new era under Todd Boehly's ownership.

Mudryk let his manager down with a tepid performance last night, but hopefully that will make him even more determined to atone for it against West Ham next weekend.



https://www.footballfancast.com/chelsea-fc-news/chelsea-mykhaylo-mudryk-performance-opinion-fulham-graham-potter-premier-league

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Bobby De Cordova-Reid: 150 not out
Kenny Tete deserves all the plaudits coming his way over a peerless performance at Stamford Bridge last night. The right back was everywhere and no finer judge than Gary Neville, who made that position his own over more than a decade in the Premier League, had almost declared him the player of the match before being asked to. But an important display just in front of the Dutch international shouldn't be overlooked. We shouldn't handpick individual showings when the collective desire from Fulham was sensational, but this particular player, hassled and harried from the off, sacrificed elements of his individual game for the greater good, set up chances for others, was unlucky not to score himself and hared up and down the wing like his life depended on it. All this would be remarkable, until you remember that the hero in white was Bobby Decordova-Reid.

Decordova-Reid is the antithesis of the flashy, modern footballer. He happily declared earlier this season that he would willingly do a job anywhere that Marco Silva asked him too. That was when he was filling in for Kenny Tete at right back. It is a measure of the Jamaican international's reliability in a role that remains unfamiliar that he kept a summer signing in Kevin Mbabu out of the side. That Decordova-Reid scored from that position, in a memorable away win at Leeds, shows just how important getting forward is in the modern full back's armoury – and, as a natural forward, who once scored more than 20 goals in a Championship season for Bristol City, our Jamaican international is no stranger to ghosting late into the box.

Decordova-Reid's versatility might easily have worked against him. He wasn't sure about playing up front for Lee Johnson at Ashton Gate and there was a sense that nobody was quite sure what his best position was when he came to Fulham. He scored stunning goals, such as the brilliant mazy dribble that bamboozled the Huddersfield defence at Craven Cottage a few years ago, from all over the pitch but couldn't nail down a spot in Scott Parker's starting eleven. The signs of his reliability were there when he slotted in effectively at right wing back and went on to crack in the opener against Liverpool in December 2020, but it felt let it took a change of head coach for Decordova-Reid to be properly appreciated.

And he is now. Silva elevated Decordova-Reid to his leadership group this season and the bubby Bristolian has plenty to offer from beyond the football pitch. He's an erudite communicator and a thinker about the game – as well as the world we life in. He's come through difficult times to thrive in the top flight and is part of a trailblazing family. Bobby's sister, Marsha, was born with nystagmus and is registered blind. She hasn't let that hold her back as she was an award-winning advocate for a number of charities before being elected to Westminster City Council and becoming the Member of Parliament for Battersea in 2017. She can be regularly seen cheering on her brother at Craven Cottage – and those experiences give Decordova-Reid a broader hinterland than many professional footballers.

What endears you to Decordova-Reid as a fan is his ceaseless work ethic. He'll run all day for you, doing the unflashy hard yards that will only be recognised by those who've played the game. Bobby must be a manager's dream. It isn't as if he's not blessed with prodigious skills, either. Kieran Trippier might still be having nightmares about the flip-flap that sent him towards Wearside at St. James' Park the other week. Decordova-Reid has a delightful first touch, showcased when he took several balls out of the air surrounded by blue shirts last night, and a handy knack of being in the right place at the right time.

He's scored several vital goals for Fulham this season, despite being deployed in at least four different positions. His first set the Whites on the way to their first top-flight London derby win in more than thirty matches in the early stages of the game against Brentford in August, following up from close range after Jay Stansfield was unfortunate not to mark his first top flight start with a goal. There was that brilliantly guided goal at Elland Road as well as a wonderful glancing header at Selhurst Park on Boxing Day that ideally illustrated Decordova-Reid's value as an attacking threat, making a late run to meet a magnificent cross from Aleksandar Mitrovic and a late consolation on that forgettable afternoon against Newcastle. He's very good in the air for someone who stands just 5ft 5in tall and found the net five times in twenty appearances.

It is no surprise that Decordova-Reid has become an automatic selection on the wing of late for Silva, although it is very good going when you consider the wingers who are awaiting an opportunity on the sidelines (Dan James, Harry Wilson and Manor Solomon amongst them). He turned 30 last week but his desire is undimmed – and you could make a compelling case for the dependable, diminutive wide man being one of those rare players who performers better the higher level he plays at. He's been outstanding for Jamaica in international football and may yet get to the chance to grace European competition with the Whites should this staggering season continue to improve.

Decordova-Reid isn't one for self-promotion as he prefers to remain grounded and work hard to improve his game and assist those around him. That's a tribute to both how humble he still is and his professionalism. It went unremarked last night that another superb showing was his 150th appearance in Fulham colours. It shouldn't have done. He's an absolute assist to the club and is the ultimate footballer's footballer. He's rightly proud of his family and the wider Fulham family are very pleased to count Decordova-Reid as one of our own. Congratulations on this magnificent milestone, Bobby, thanks for the fabulous memories and we all know there are still many more ahead of you in the future.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/bobby-de-cordova-reid-150-not-out/

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Tete impresses against Chelsea's new stars

Kenny Tete made a big impression for Fulham in their 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Friday evening.

The right-back was faced with Chelsea's new big money signing Mykhailo Mudryk from the start but the Dutchman was up to the task and he kept the Ukrainian quiet in the first half.

Mudryk was then replaced by ex-PSV winger Noni Madueke, but again it was Tete who came out on top on the right-hand side for Fulham.

Tete ended the game with three interceptions, three clearances, won 10/12 duels, won six free-kicks and completed 100% of his attempted dribbles in an impressive performance.

The 27-year-old has been with Fulham since 2020 and the former Ajax man has been a regular this season, making 15 appearances in the Premier League, contributing four assists.

Tete will be hoping that Ronald Koeman is keeping a keen eye on his performances in London so he can add to his 14 caps so far.



http://www.football-oranje.com/tete-impresses-against-chelseas-new-stars/

[WhiteJC]

FA CUP replay 08/02
We get to travel to Sunderland's Stadium of Light for the fourth round replay

So after the "proper" FA Cup game at the Cottage ended in a draw we get a Wednesday evening 17:45 kick off to see who will face Leeds in the next round.
Sunderland really gave it go and will be full of confidence that they can get a result at their place?
It was an uncharacteristic mistake by Issa Diop that allowed Sunderland to take a sixth minute lead, however Tom Cairney came to the rescue with a wonderful bit of skill weaving his way past a couple of defenders before scoring past the very impressive Patterson who had an outstanding game.
15 year old Christopher Rigg thought, as did the travelling Sunderland fans, that he had scored the winner, and made FA Cup history, I think he would have been the youngest ever FA Cup scorer?, but unfortunately for the lad and Sunderland the goal was ruled out as he was offside.
More bad luck for Sunderland, Ross Stewart was carried off with an ankle problem, his 10 goals in 13 games will be missed?

Assuming the our two new players can't feature as they weren't available for the first game and as Marco Silva has said that he wants to take the FA Cup seriously my team would be...

COYW's

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2527

[WhiteJC]

'Reply with a better RB': Fulham poke fun at Chelsea's Reece James tribute by responding with a photo of Man of the Match Kenny Tete in hilarious Twitter exchange after Stamford Bridge stalemate

    Chelsea and Fulham played out a 0-0 stalemate at Stamford Bridge on Friday
    Kenny Tete was awarded Man of the Match for his impressive defensive display
    But in first-half, Chelsea claimed Reece James was the best right-back there is

Fulham poked fun at Chelsea in a hilarious Twitter exchange after the Blues called on social media users to 'Reply with a better RB' than Reece James.

It came after the two west London sides played out a 0-0 stalemate at Stamford Bridge on Friday night.

It was a good day for right-backs, with James returning from injury in a major boost to Graham Potter, while Fulham's Kenny Tete was awarded Man of the Match for this impressive display.

The Dutchman topped the rankings for duels won (10), crosses (seven) and fouls won (four).

In fact his performance was so impressive that £88million Mykhailo Mudryk, who was playing on the left wing, was substituted by Graham Potter at half-time.


There was nothing to separate Chelsea and Fulham on Friday night with neither side able to break the deadlock at Stamford Bridge

https://t.co/qpwDhvwl11 pic.twitter.com/XGj7yzbZZz

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) February 4, 2023

Fit-again James felt like another new signing for Chelsea with a strong display, and during the first-half the Chelsea Twitter channel was full of praise for him.

The club tweeted: 'Reply with a better RB' along with a king emoji.

But still on the buzz of a well-earned point, Fulham replied on Saturday morning simply with a picture of Tete holding his Man of the Match award.

They later added: 'You come at the King, you best not miss.'

The two sides met just three weeks after facing each other at Craven Cottage - a match which Fulham came out on top 2-1 and new signing Joao Felix was sent off on his debut.

In fact, after that contest, Fulham were also on good social media form, tweeting '#AdiosJoao' in a dig to when Chelsea used Spanish to welcome to Portuguese star.

But with neither side able to find a goal on Friday, Fulham are now sixth in the table, while Chelsea are floundering in ninth.

It was a better point for Marco Silva's in-form side who came up against a Chelsea side fuelled with £323.5m worth of new signings, including £107m Enzo Fernandez who impressed on his debut.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11712767/Fulham-poke-fun-Chelseas-Reece-James-tribute-responding-Kenny-Tete-MOTM-photo.html

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Chelsea told Fulham star Alexandar Mitrovic would solve their problems as Kai Havertz role up front questioned

Ex-Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has questioned Kai Havertz's impact up front following yet another game without a goal.

As a result, fellow former Blues striker Carlton Cole believes Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic would solve their goalscoring problems.

Havertz was unable to find the back of their net in the 0-0 draw against the Cottagers, and even missed a glorious chance to score from close range.

The German is Chelsea's joint=leading scorer for the season on six goals with Raheem Sterling, but Cascarino believes he doesn't do enough for his side.

Speaking to talkSPORT about the club's recent woes, the former Blues forward said: "You can point at the centre forward position which many have and we'll talk about 'Chelsea didn't buy a centre-forward' which is a valid point.

"I'm sure we'll talk about Havertz in this conversation because Havertz doesn't lead the line. All the things I got taught as a centre forward, and all the centre forwards I know, he doesn't do a number of things very well. And Graham Potter doesn't recognise that."

He added: "Leading the line is basically bringing the team higher up the pitch. When the ball comes into you, you can keep it a little bit longer and the team can allow to get beyond you.

"He doesn't do that, he does little flicks and touches, some of them come off and some don't, but it's not a centre forward play.

"Even when he jumps in the air with his flick-ons, he doesn't really flick it anywhere when he wins a header.

"You could argue 'well he's not the biggest', Havertz now is 23, he's six foot one, he could lead the line way better. I just don't think he's a natural centre forward."

Mitrovic, on the other hand, has 11 goals to his name and is the fourth highest scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

Cole believes the Serbian striker is the type of player Chelsea really need up front.

"You've got to look at Mitrovic's return as well, he's been brilliant for them," Cole told talkSPORT.

"Even the way he plays, he holds up the ball. Just exactly what Chelsea need at the moment up front. Someone to bring that ball in, hold it up and lay it off, get in the box, get on crosses.

"That's what you need and Mitro does that perfectly. He's one of those players that you'd love to have in your side and I know Potter will be saying 'I wish I had someone like him."

Chelsea's draw against Fulham has seen them rise to ninth in the table but Liverpool, who are one spot below them, have two games in hand.

The Blues are also nine points adrift of the top four.



https://talksport.com/football/1322774/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea urged to sign Fulham star to solve one key issue

Former Chelsea star Tony Cascarino has urged Chelsea to sign Fulham striker after their latest disappointing performance on Friday night.

Chelsea have strengthened heavily over the last six months, reinforcing nearly every position on the pitch. Joao Felix was brought in to help out in attack, but he's not your natural number nine, and their current crop aren't performing.

Kai Havertz has regularly started in a centre-forward role for Chelsea and he was disappointing against Fulham on Friday night. That's a view shared by former Chelsea striker Cascarino, and he's urged the London club to raid their local rivals for Mitrovic.

"I'm sure we'll talk about Havertz in this conversation because Havertz doesn't lead the line. All the things I got taught as a centre forward, and all the centre forwards I know, he doesn't do a number of things very well. And Graham Potter doesn't recognise that," said Cascarino, on talkSPORT.

Havertz isn't a natural striker, so that's a fair statement from Cascarino, but he's not really suited to this Chelsea system at all. Havertz regularly played as an attacking midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen, but Chelsea usually play with slightly deeper midfielders.

"Even the way he [Mitrovic] plays, he holds up the ball. Just exactly what Chelsea need at the moment up front. Someone to bring that ball in, hold it up and lay it off, get in the box, get on crosses," added Cascarino.

Mitrovic would undoubtedly strengthen Chelsea due to his goalscoring record and ability to lead the line, but Todd Boehly has opted to sign younger, up-and-coming players in his recruitment.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/02/04/chelsea-urged-to-sign-fulham-star-to-solve-one-key-issue/

[WhiteJC]

Monaco made approach for Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo

Foot Mercato are reporting that AS Monaco made an approach to sign Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo (25) during the January transfer window, but pulled out of the deal due to administrative difficulties involved in the deal.

Fabrizio Romano first revealed the Principality club's interest in the centre-back. The former England youth international had the chance to leave the London club during the winter transfer window, whilst the player himself was reportedly ready to make the next step in his career, according to Romano. This season, Adarabioyo has made 14 Premier League appearances and is part of a Fulham side that are overachieving having secured promotion to the top-flight last season.

Monaco were in the market for a centre-back throughout the window after losing Benoît Badiashile to Chelsea early in January. Adarabioyo was one the targets to replace the French international, as was Club Brugge's Abakar Sylla, however, the Belgian club weren't willing to sell their centre-back mid-season.

The move for Adarabioyo failed despite an approach from Les Monégasques due to the administrative difficulties involved in the deal. Monaco, therefore, did not follow up their interest. Ultimately, Monaco bought no-one to replace Badiashile, although Chrislain Matsima was recalled from his season-long loan at FC Lorient in order to provide cover.



https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2023/monaco-made-approach-for-fulhams-tosin-adarabioyo/

[WhiteJC]

What can this Fulham achieve
The stage was set, the world record transfer and 300 million spent but Marco Silva and his charges had other ideas! Another stellar performance from the whites with stand out showings from the likes of Kenny Tete,João Palhinha and former blue Willian but not for the first time this season.

Fulham have grown in confidence and find themselves flying high in the premier league in 6th place, the team have gelled with the Portuguese influence and Brazilian flair from the likes of Willian who has rolled back the years to dazzle in a Fulham shirt to Andreas Pereira who was written off by so many and has now found a home at Craven Cottage, then you add in the players that saw Fulham up from the championship the likes of Harrison Reed and Aleksandr the great who have taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.

The January window is now closed and the club have strengthened the squad once again with shrewd business in Lukic and Cedric so now the question is what can this team achieve?

Heading into February Fulham find themselves on 32pts just 4 off the champions League and right in the mix for the Europa League, Fulham's objective is still 40pts and guaranteed survival as it should be and as Silva keeps saying survival is and has always been the target BUT.... What happens when and it looks like when not if Fulham reach that target?

For me the sky is the limit once they hit that mark there is no doubt with the morale and determination in the team this side will push for their highest ever finish in the top flight and potentially a place in European competition next season. When you couple that with the FFP restraints from that awful summer of recruitment in 2018 being taken off this summer the Khan's will be able to flex their financial muscle and add to this incredible unit of a squad as well as being able to hold on to key players, it appears the club is all pulling in the same direction for the first time in very long time with recruitment under Tony Khan, Alistair Mackintosh and Marco Silva behind all of these great signings and the scattergun approach seems to have been binned for a more methodical and well thought out approach to transfer business.

As fans we need to enjoy this team, this is the best a Fulham side has been since the Roy Hodgson era and this time it feels like it could be sustained for years to come under Marco Silva and the assistance of Luis Boa Morte the Cottage is bouncing, the clappers are gone and every player is fighting for the Fulham crest! No one knows what the future holds for this group but if Marco has his way there is every chance we could be watching European nights at the Cottage in the near future.

If you had told me that at the beginning of this season I'd have told you you're mad so thank you Marco and your team for bringing the good times back, breaking the Yo-Yo tag and making Fulham an established Premier League side. ??



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/what-can-this-fulham-achieve/

[WhiteJC]

Man City: Ogden addresses transfer 'rumours' on Robinson

ESPN journalist Mark Ogden has addressed the recent Manchester City transfer rumours linking them to defender Antonee Robinson.

The Lowdown: Summer plans
According to The Sun, Pep Guardiola's side are lining up a summer bid for the Premier League left-back as they look to replace Joao Cancelo.

The Portuguese full-back hasn't left on a permanent just yet, but his loan move to Bayern Munich does have the option to buy that will cost the Bundesliga outfit £61.5m.

Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis have been used by the Man City boss in their most recent games in the league and FA Cup.

The Latest: Ogden on Robinson pursuit
Despite the reports, Ogden told ESPN that he had spoken to people within the club about their interest in Robinson, who said he wasn't on their list of candidates.

He stated: "It wasn't close in this window. I spoke to somebody at City today [Friday] just to get a check on this before I came on the show, and they said, look, they'd heard the rumours, as far as they were concerned, the senior figures at the club are saying he wasn't on their list. But, I was also told that anything can happen, and it can.

"Antonee Robinson's had a good season at Fulham, he's had a better than a good season. He's a talented player.

"I'd be surprised if he goes to City, but because there aren't many top left-backs around, and that City need one, it's not the most outlandish prospect.

"But the likelihood of it happening, I think, right now is slim. And it definitely wasn't a goer during the window."

The Verdict: Question marks
We would be taken aback if Robinson ended up joining Manchester City in the summer, as we're not sure if he's ready for the step up.

The American has only played two seasons of Premier League football, suffering relegation in one of them with Fulham.

This time around, his second league campaign in England has been going a lot better with the Cottagers, while pundit Noel Whelan labelled the player as 'excellent' when discussing his abilities with Football Insider.

Whilst we may have reservations about Robinson, Guardiola signing him would be a massive statement, in our view.

Being wanted by a manager who's managed world-class talent like Lionel Messi, Xavi and Manuel Neuer says a lot about what he sees in terms of his potential, and we would be intrigued to see if City reignite their reported interest in the summer.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/manchester-city-news/man-city-antonee-robinson-transfer-rumours-mark-ogden/

[WhiteJC]

Positives and negatives: Chelsea 0-0 Fulham

Shane Duffy's a geezer, Stamford Bridge is a dump and Cam's banished his hangover. All is fine and dandy on the bright side of town.

Four points from a possible six; both SW6 derbies navigated sublimely; Stamford Bridge hushed by the landlords. Friday's showdown with Chelsea may not have been electrifying for the neutral spectator, but for Fulham fans, it was an occasion to savour. Fulham Palace Road rattled to the sound of Tequila, the Shed End concourses fizzed as the flat beer flowed and in Marco Silva's 400th match as a manager, the Whites put the dampeners on Todd Boehly's £600m revamp.

It's going to take an age for Graham Potter's squad to gel, with so many unfamiliar faces and styles to mediate and integrate, the Blues could misfire for the remainder of the season and the scum's scattergun transfer tactics didn't translate well on the turf before Fulham's unified, economical contingent.

We may not possess World Cup victors or bank-breaking prodigies but this team of ours isn't inferior, it isn't submissive – in postcode relations, Fulham reigns supreme and west London is draped in black and white from the esteemed banks of the Thames to the shabby ruins of the dog track. It may have been a draw but in many respects, this result is a monumental win for all things Fulham.

Positives
Solid, organised, disciplined

There's a certain member of our defensive unit that's heading for a standing ovation within this article but first, I just want to appreciate the entire squad for their diligence at a ground where Fulham seldom succeed. Chelsea were limited where clear-cut opportunities were concerned, more so than predicted, and throughout the game the Whites had the measure of the hosts in possession and when we did have to concentrate off the ball to blockade and defuse, every single man in black and white recited their lines perfectly.

The red carpet wasn't rolled out for mega-money Enzo Fernandez, not with Joao Palhinha calling the shots in the middle of the park. The Argentine was forward thinking, he wanted to progress play at once but angling risky balls into Palhinha's territory isn't wise and if the Portugal international got within touching distance, he threw down the stingers to put an abrupt stop to Chelsea's manoeuvres. He and Harrison Reed shadowed Chelsea's ball carriers, they identified weaknesses and they functioned dynamically, as they always do. Fernandez was blowing after 25 minutes, there are levels to this game and not everyone can pass the special one Iniesta bleep test.

On the charge out wide and indeed centrally, Antonee Robinson burst into combat along the left, Bobby De Cordova-Reid leaped at one-on-ones with Marc Cucurella and with a flagging Reece James to occupy, Willian was composed and intricately resourceful. We gained territory; sublime Aleksandar Mitrovic knockdowns enabled us to rotate possession so from back to front, Fulham's game management was very much on point.

A clean sheet at the Bridge is an achievement that shouldn't be overlooked. From valiant Tim Ream clearances to Issa Diop's dominance in the air, every player stuck to the task and their individual responsibilities were respected. We didn't deviate; each department coincided faultlessly to ensure a well-earned point and it's noticeable that under duress, this team Silva has assembled is stringently disciplined.

Stalemate results don't have to be downcast; if anything, it's nothing but a compliment to Fulham's collective dedication. We were solid foundationally, we absorbed pressure to expel the Blues and though convincing opportunities of our own were also at a premium, the application on show to foil a side laden with misspent riches was astonishing and it has to be commended. This is a team that doesn't buckle, it is a group that is excelling but most importantly, at the home of our frivolous tenants, this is an alliance that knows its worth and value.

Tete's tremendous tutorial
Traditional full-backs are few and far between but over the years, Fulham has been home to many a sturdy right-back. And Kenny Tete is the mightiest we've had on our books since John Paintsil and Steve Finnan. It hasn't always been straight forward for the Dutchman in SW6; he's been unfavoured, kept out the squad by De Cordova-Reid under Scott Parker and he's also had to rid niggling injury setbacks, but this version of Tete is unparalleled. No matter who the Blues lobbed into the mix, Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling or Noni Madueke, they couldn't find a solution to curb Kenny's enthusiasm.

For 90+ minutes, Tete's ruthless edge was pronounced and with lung-popping dashes up the right on the offensive, the 27-year-old's efforts at both ends of the pitch were constant. Full-backs are required to overlap consistently in support and in today's fast-paced, energy-sapping game; it's extremely rare to find a player that's both expansive on the break and resurgent in retreat. Trent Alexander Arnold, for example, is upheld as the finest right-back the Premier League has to offer but there's serious reservations over his defensive awareness, ironically. This simply isn't the case for Kenny.

He screened across the back four to hunt down rogue runners, he held his man at an arm's length to safeguard possession and in finite tackling scenarios where his decisions had to be educated, he always rolled away with the ball under his established custody. It was an extensive tutorial; I don't think I've seen a performance as complete as Tete's on Friday night and when you consider the sheer quality of player he held under quarantine – serial Premier League winners in Sterling, hotshot prospects in Madueke and glorified YouTube fraudsters in Mudryk – Tete could very well be the strongest right-back in England at this moment because he can clearly handle any given challenge, comfortably and capably.

Negatives
Are we predictable?

We have a compatible system; it's got us to the position we currently inhabit and it's an approach that does pose problems but on the flipside, as we haven't found the back of the net in our last three Premier League meetings, are Fulham becoming predictable and containable? I won't dwell on this for longer than necessary, I don't want to contradict Fulham's overall application because we were excellent, I just want to address some concerns I've seen and heard on the timeline and at the boozer and if anybody wishes to pledge their two pennies worth, I'd welcome the input.

It's not really of grave concern. Mitrovic – barring last season – tends to dip in and out of form throughout the season and as he hasn't bagged since Leicester, you could hazard that the Serb is experiencing a lull and it's surely just a matter of time before he begins to fire again. Saying that, however, Mitro was marginally off colour at Chelsea, he was marked and contained unsparingly by Thiago Silva and Benoît Badiashile, so his evening was always going to be particularly awkward but he also dawdled in possession, he was caught with the ball under his feet far too often and it just seems like we're witnessing a 75% Mitro.

To really have an impact, service has to come his way and while Willian nodded down in an area where Mitro would usually lurk, his placement was ill-judged. He let loose from the halfway line, Kepa Arrizabalaga's ringpiece flapped but other than that sighter and Andreas Pereira's snapshot in the first half, the Whites didn't really create enough and if Aleksandar isn't enjoying a purple patch in front of the target, we have to source goals from other areas. Maybe, with Manor Solomon regaining fitness and Sasa Lukic preparing for a potential debut at home against Nottingham Forest, we have to ring the changes to freshen things up in the final third.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-02-05-positives-and-negatives-chelsea-0-0-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

How we can all build a brighter future for women's football

BY JULIEANN THOMAS

Last summer was amazing – it was so fun to watch the Lionesses win the EUROs, to witness them receive the support of the nation and succeed on such a large stage. It feels like there is momentum – women can move more centrally in British football culture now than ever before. It's becoming more popular to support women's teams, as seen with the increase in attendance at women's matches. Sitting at my seat in Craven Cottage at a match during the EUROs, I listened to the group of men behind me talking about how exciting it was to watch the Lionesses, and everyone agreeing enthusiastically. They all had been watching, and women's football became part of their discussions. On another scale, the Lionesses were given pitch priority at St. George's Park over the men in preparation for the 2022 EUROs. More women's matches are being played at the clubs' premier stadiums. Progress is being made and we can celebrate it. I think that's part of what is so exciting about Fulham Women playing at Craven Cottage – women are given a chance to move from the periphery to the centre, and it is successful. Women refereed matches at the Men's World Cup. There is much to celebrate.

Yet, I spend a lot of time in parks, as one does when one has small children, and I watch the dynamics of kids playing together for various activities. And on the makeshift football pitch, there is much to improve, at least from what I am seeing. First, there are still rarely girls playing at my park. Perhaps in other places it's different. I hope so. And second, if some do play, they are often given less influential roles and barely included in play. I feel like it reflects had been happening in most levels of football – women are included, but frequently relegated to the margins.

I see this with the lack of girls football teams for secondary schools, the difficulty women have in finding (safe) pitch times, with the (lack of) inclusion of women on organizational boards, as sportscasters, and even in semi and professional football, where women's stadiums are literally on the outskirts of cities, making women's matches harder to access. Yes, women are increasingly included in football, but often still confined to the margins. And sometimes it's the little things that make women feel as if they are not welcome – from not having enough women's toilets to minimal women's merchandise in the team store to chants that objectify women. Some of these are easy fixes.

I love seeing what Fulham Football Club are doing to include more women – from Fulham FC Women playing at Craven Cottage to the work the FulhLillies are doing to make both men's and women's matches more accessible for all. I hope that this momentum continues through the Women's World Cup and into the future. There is much to be done on many levels – investing in women's sports makes financial sense. Involving more women on directorial boards helps organisations become more financially sustainable, and can be better for the environment. Choosing to chant less offensive chants instead of objectifying women. There is something for each of us to do.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/how-we-can-all-build-a-brighter-future-for-womens-football/

[WhiteJC]

It's time to give Marco Silva a new contract
I don't know about you – but I'm still buzzing from Friday night. Chelsea spent more than £300m last month to go from losing to Fulham to drawing with the Whites. Fair play to them, I suppose. Another splurge in the summer and they might manage to trouble Bernd Leno next season. It is a sign of how far Fulham have travelled under Marco Silva that I walked away from Stamford Bridge slightly disappointed that we hadn't nicked it: wondering whether Willian, Bobby Decordova-Reid and Aleksandar Mitrovic might have done more with the opportunities we'd created in the penalty area. But I'll certainly settle for taking four points off the sanctioned boys.

There was a lot to admire about the way Fulham fought for that draw. Unlike the first meeting between the two sides, when I think the boys knew it was a great chance to end our barren run in the SW6 derby, the players didn't look overawed by the occasion. They scrapped for every ball, chased each lost case and sprinted back when an attack had petered out. Apparently, that surprised Gary Neville on Sky Sports. Perhaps he's forgotten about the characteristics of a good side having spent the last few years suffering through Manchester United's decline. Effort is a prerequisite under Marco Silva.

So, too, is style. This wasn't, as Dan discussed in the match report, a blood and thunder backs-to-the-wall effort of a plucky outfit punching above our weight. Sure, the Whites defended diligently – Kenny Tete was excellence, Tim Ream inspirational and Issa Diop headed everything that came his way – but there was a style to the way they broke too. Willian continues to roll back the years on one wing, some of Bobby Decordova-Reid's touches were sublime and Andreas Pereira, on a relatively quiet evening for our creator-in-chief, was unfortunate not to break the deadlock with a rasping drive. There might have been a slight alteration in attacks but seeing Antonee Robinson surge down the wing, you knew there was still an emphasis on getting forward where possible. I've never seen a Fulham centre back sprint seventy yards to join a counter attack after winning a tackle in his own half, either.

There's something to admire in everything Marco Silva does. You can tell all the players want to play for him. He has rebuilt the confidence of those who were left on the scrapheap by his predecessor. He has a team that might have been traumatised by their previous experiences of the top flight going toe to toe with the best sides in the country. And he's ours. What Silva has done in his year and a half at Craven Cottage would be too sensational for a Hollywood scriptwriter. That's why it is crucial that the conversation he should be having with the Fulham hierarchy right now is about what it will take for him to sign on the dotted line of a contract extension. I don't want to go all Rio Ferdinand on you, but let him right the numbers on that piece of paper, Mr. Mackintosh, he's worth it.

You'd better believe our perceptive Portuguese head coach will be in demand this summer. Plenty of big jobs on clubs that are having underwhelming seasons will be up for grabs and Silva will be on the shortlist for any canny football executives out there. This is an important moment in Fulham's history. The best managers of our recent past have been the briefest. Micky Adams barely got a couple of months after leading the Whites out of the Football League basement, Kevin Keegan was seduced by England and Jean Tigana found himself hobbled by boardroom disputes. Roy Hodgson decamped for Liverpool only weeks after reaching a European final. The last manager who had Fulham playing with such style was Slavisa Jokanovic and a lack of synergy between the coaching staff and the club's senior leadership left him carrying the can for a summer of silly spending.

Silva and Fulham are such a good fit. The man who has looking to rebuild his reputation in England after his humbling experience with Everton now has the opportunity to lead Fulham to heights we probably don't even dare to dream about. Look how he high he has got a team fashioned in a few short weeks over the summer flying. We wouldn't be human if we didn't idly ponder in those dreary moments at work where Marco might lead the Whites. But dreaming is all it will be unless he gets the long-term security every football manager craves. The Khan family have invested a truly staggering amount of money in London's oldest professional football club – surely it makes sense to back their shrewdest signing to the hilt. He is a genius, after all.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/02/its-time-to-give-marco-silva-a-new-contract/