Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 07/03/23...

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Monday
Brentford	3-2	Fulham

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Brentford 3-2 Fulham

Ivan Toney has scored 22 consecutive penalties for Brentford

Brentford's impressive Premier League season continued as they overcame west London derby rivals Fulham at the Gtech Community Stadium to keep their hopes of European football very much alive.

Bees' striker Ivan Toney was the talisman once more, making it 22 successes out of 22 from the penalty spot for Brentford as they closed to within three points of sixth-placed Newcastle United.

Toney is playing under a cloud as he faces a ban after accepting breaking Football Association betting rules, but he was outstanding here as Brentford secured a deserved three points.

Thomas Frank's side made a lightning start and could have scored three times even before Ethan Pinnock's shot deflected off Tim Ream to put Brentford ahead after only six minutes.

Fulham are having an outstanding season of their own, and they finally gained a foothold before drawing level six minutes before the break when Israel forward Manor Solomon continued his rich vein of form, heading in the rebound after Andreas Pereira's free-kick struck the post.

Brentford regained the momentum, with both Bryan Mbeumo and Toney hitting the woodwork with free-kicks, and were awarded a 53rd-minute penalty when Issa Diop fouled Christian Norgaard.

Toney, as is his custom, beat Bernd Leno with ease.

Mathias Jensen sealed the win from close range five minutes from time following good work by Kevin Schade with Carlos Vinicius' stoppage-time goal for Fulham nothing more than a consolation.

Brentford's eyes on Europe
Brentford's supporters finished this game singing about the prospect of a place in Europe next season and why not as this remarkable story goes on?

Manager Frank has done a superb job, leading a group of players inspired by Toney, who now has 16 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.

Toney's immediate future is under that cloud after alleged breaches of betting rules and there is no doubt any absence would be a huge setback, but such is the spirit, character and ability built by Frank in this side that they could yet take it in their stride.

Brentford started with so much pace and intensity they threatened to blow Fulham away, and then showed their self-belief and resilience to regather their forces after Marco Silva's side forced their way back into contention with an equaliser.

Those supporters who pack into the Gtech Community Stadium are living the dream and it shows no sign of ending yet.

Asked whether Brentford can make the European places, Frank told BBC Sport: "For me it is very important that we are allowed to dream. I always want to aim as high as possible but it is important to not get too carried away.

"We are in a good place and it is all about continuing."

Disappointing night for Fulham
Fulham still have European aspirations of their own as they have been a revelation under the guidance of Marco Silva since their return to the Premier League, but they ended well beaten by their London rivals.

Vinicius' late bundled goal gave the scoreline a flattering appearance for Fulham as it came with virtually the last kick of the game.

Silva's big players Aleksandar Mitrovic and Willian were unable to exert any influence, snuffed out by Brentford's defending, and both endured a frustrating evening.

There was hope when the prolific Solomon reacted first to Pereira's shot hitting the woodwork but Brentford soon re-asserted their authority.

Fulham remain in a superb seventh place despite this setback and must now regroup as they face Premier League leaders Arsenal at Craven Cottage on Sunday before an FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester United.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, Silva said: "Disappointing result of course, we wanted to fight for the three points.

"We know it was a derby, we knew the type of game they were going to play and they are strong at that type of game - a lot of challenges, a lot of duels, strong running in behind and we started sloppy.

"It was too sloppy. We didn't start aggressively enough, not brave enough and not with the quality we should have done. I am going to analyse it with the players and show them why things happen. We knew before how we should have started and we didn't start in that way."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64781335

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Post-Brentford Press Conference

Marco Silva cut a frustrated figure following Fulham's defeat in the derby with Brentford.

Our hosts flew out of the traps, and Silva was upset with how we began both halves.

"Disappointing night for us, disappointing performance as well," he said. "It was clearly our fault, we cannot play a derby away from home and start the way we started both halves.

"We knew how they are aggressive, how they can always punish you with their runs in behind, linking with the striker or even straight away in behind you.

"We were sloppy the way we started the first half and we were sloppy again the way we started the second half.

"After the [first] goal we showed a reaction and the character to equalise and start to control the game.

"When they are winning, they sit back, they have all the team back, they put nine players around their box, so it's not easy – even if you have the possession – to create chances.

"It's a moment for us to learn and to improve from this situation. The players for sure are going to know during the week why the things happened in this way, and we have to improve for the next one."

With the score level at 1-1, the pivotal moment in the second half came when Brentford were awarded a penalty after the faintest of contacts from Issa Diop on Christian Nørgaard.

"I think that penalty was a really harsh, harsh decision from the official," Silva said. "If it's a VAR decision, I can understand it as it's really hard to see a soft touch from the player.

"For him to say that straight away it's a penalty, was a big surprise for me. It's a really harsh decision, but even so, it was our fault."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/march/06/post-brentford-press-conference/

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Brentford 3-2 Fulham

Fulham were beaten 3-2 by Brentford in Monday night's local derby at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The Bees started very quickly and could have gone ahead even before Ethan Pinnock's deflected effort in the sixth minute.

But the Whites began to exert more control on proceedings and restored parity through Manor Solomon's header – his fifth goal in as many games – after Andreas Pereira's free-kick came back off the post.

A contentious Ivan Toney penalty proved to be the decisive moment in the second half, with Mathias Jensen then sewing things up before Carlos Vinicius' consolation at the death.

There were three changes to the previous XI that featured in the Premier League for Fulham, with first starts in the competition for Saša Lukić and Solomon, and a return for the fit-again Aleksandar Mitrović, who made his 200th appearance for the Club.

Bernd Leno was called into action as early as the second minute when Toney capitalised on a loose pass and bent a shot on target from 20 yards out, which the Fulham number 17 pushed away on the stretch.

The hosts then squandered an absolute gilt-edged chance when Bryan Mbeumo somehow ballooned over from close range having been picked out by Rico Henry's fine volleyed cross.

Brentford had absolutely flown out of the traps and had another chance through Mbeumo in the fifth minute, Leno making himself big on the angle to deny the winger.

The opener from the subsequent corner may have been fortunate, but they'd earned it. First, Aaron Hickey's speculative hit ricocheted kindly for Pinnock, whose snapshot changed direction dramatically after cannoning off Tim Ream to wrong-foot Leno.

Fulham managed to wrestle back some control after a slow start, but it was the Bees again who had the next chance. After Jensen bought a free-kick in a central position 25 yards out, Mbeumo's set-piece had Leno beaten but kissed the outside of the post on its way wide.

The Whites had all the possession after going behind but another Brentford free-kick had us worried 10 minutes before half-time, but thankfully Toney's effort hit the angle of post and bar.

But it was a Fulham set-piece that brought about the next goal. After Harrison Reed was chopped in the midriff on the edge of the box, Andreas rattled the post with a superb free-kick, and Solomon reacted first to head in the equaliser after the ball came back across the face.

A barnstorming run from Kenny Tete at the start of the second half, which began with a crucial interception in his own box, culminated in Antonee Robinson pinging over a cross. Andreas was first to it but could only poke his volley over the bar.

Brentford were then given what can only be described as a soft penalty, as Issa Diop was adjudged to have caught Christian Nørgaard in the box. Leno guessed the right way but Toney's low spot-kick had just enough power to find the back of the net.

It was one of many decisions which went against the Whites, with Mitrović picking up a booking for disagreeing with the referee's take that Willian illegally challenged Yoane Wissa in the air.

There wasn't much in the way of goalmouth action following the penalty, though Mitrović did have the ball taken off his head in the nick of time, before Lukić sent a shot over from distance.

Toney then tried his luck from the halfway line and was unfortunate to see his effort land on the roof of the net, though Leno probably had it covered regardless.

The home side wrapped things up late on when substitute Kevin Schade managed to spin behind Robinson in the area before cutting back to Jensen who was left with a simple finish.

David Raya was forced to keep out strikes from Mitrović and Harrison Reed as we attempted to reduce the deficit, which we eventually did in the ninth minute of stoppage time. Andreas' fizzer had too much sauce for Raya to hold, with substitute Carlos Vinicius alert to the possibility and sending a cool finish over the stranded Raya.

Sadly there was no time left to push for another equaliser, as we left Hounslow empty handed.

Brentford: Raya, Hickey (Roerslev 91'), Pinnock, Henry, Mee, Nørgaard, Jensen, Damsgaard (Janelt 76'), Mbeumo (Dasilva 91'), Toney, Wissa (Schade 77')

Subs: Janelt, Cox, Roerslev, Schade, Ajer, Dasilva, Onyeka, Jansson, Baptiste

Fulham FC: Leno, Tete (Cédric Soares 83'), Antonee Robinson, Diop, Ream, Reed, Andreas Pereira, Lukić (De Cordova-Reid 75'), Willian (Carlos Vinícius 83'), Solomon (Wilson 75'), Mitrović

Subs: De Cordova-Reid, Tosin, Wilson, Rodák, James, Wickens, Cédric Soares, Carlos Vinícius, Harris



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/march/06/brentford-3-2-fulham/

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Fulham have no answers as superior Brentford extend their unbeaten run to 12

Brentford (1) 3 Pinnock 6, Toney pen 53, Jensen 85

Fulham (0) 2 Solomon 39, Vinicius 90



Ivan Toney made it 10 out of 10 in terms of Premier League penalties as Brentford avenged the 3-2 August defeat to the Whites at the Cottage.

The striker may be playing under something of a cloud these days, facing charges of alleged illegal football betting, but he keeps putting away those spot-kicks.

It was his 15th league goal of the campaign and restored the home side's lead after Manor Solomon had cancelled out Ethan Pinnock's deflected opener.

Mathias Jensen's late tap-in sealed another impressive win for Thomas Frank's remorseless team, with a last-gasp goal from Carlos Vinicius making no difference to the outcome.

The unbeaten Bees run stretches to 12 games and although the teams remain in ninth and seventh respectively, Fulham are now just one point ahead of their west London rivals. Both are eclipsing Chelsea in the table at the moment.

The Whites did well to recover from a bad opening quarter of the match when they could easily have trailed 4-0 – Bryan Mbeumo going close on three occasions. 

But they missed the suspended Joao Palhinha in the engine room, while Alekaksandar Mitrovic – whisper it quietly – is struggling to make the impact he did at the start of the season.

Solomon continued his stupendous form to make it five goals in five successive games as Fulham recovered from a chastening opening half an hour.

The Israeli's goals all came as a substitute, but here he was entrusted with his first start in the west London derby and he repaid the faith of boss Marco Silva with his equaliser.

He certainly has an uncanny knack of finding the net and has given the Whites' push for European qualification a timely boost.

Bernd Leno was called into action early on, making sure a low curler from Toney did not find the bottom corner and then keeping out Mbeumo from close range with his legs.

And that wasn't even the best chance. Moments before Leno denied him, Mbeumo missed a sitter at the far post after a Rico Henry cross from the left had eluded everyone.

But the irresistible start was not to be denied its logical conclusion and Ethan Pinnock eventually beat Leno with a low shot which deflected off Tim Ream.

Mbeumo was buzzing but having one of those nights where a goal kept escaping him and he was a whisker away with a curling free-kick past the Fulham wall which was only a few inches off target.

And before the half was out, Toney clipped the top of the crossbar with a free hit from 25 yards – the set piece earned by Mikkel Damsgaard, whose dash towards the penalty area was ended by a yellow-card trip from Sasa Lukic.

Lukic was lucky not to collect a second yellow from ref Anthony Taylor for a trip on Yoane Wissa. That came moments after he suffered a gash on the face from the boot of Toney – the incident appearing to be accidental.

Totally against the run of play, Solomon drew Fulham level when Andreas Pereira's free-kick from inside the D bounced back off the angle of crossbar and post – with David Raya beaten – and the winger had a un unguarded net to nod into.

The Bees restored their lead soon after the restart – Toney putting away yet another penalty after Issa Diop's boot clattered into Christian Norgaard's foot inside the box.

His already sky-high confidence now well and truly into the stratosphere, the striker almost pulled off an audacious attempt to beat Leno from just inside the halfway line – the keeper off his line. The ball bounced on top of the net.

The Bees stayed in control during a one-sided second half and made sure of victory when sub Kevin Schade's burst past Antonee Robinson to put a goal on a plate for Jensen.



There was consolation goal for Fulham, when Vinicius clipped home after Raya had spilled a shot from Pereira, but it came way too late in the day for the Cottagers.

Bees: (4-3-3) Raya – Hickey (Roerslev 90), Pinnock, Mee, Henry – Damsgaard (Janelt 75), Norgaard, Jensen – Mbeumo (Dasilva 90), Toney, Wissa (Schade 75). Subs not used: Cox, Onyeka, Jansson, Ajer, Baptiste

Whites: (4-2-3-1) Leno – Tete (Cedric Soares 80), Diop, Ream, Robinson – Reed, Lukic (Decordova-Reid 75) – Willian (Vinicius 80), Pereira, Solomon (Wilson 65) – Mitrovic. Subs not used: Rodak, Tosin, James, Harris, Wickens 

Attendance: 17,025



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/fulham-have-no-answers-as-superior-brentford-extend-their-unbeaten-run-to-12

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Bees beat Fulham in derby to extend brilliant run

Brentford extended their unbeaten run to 12 games with a deserved derby victory.

Thomas Frank's side clinched all three points against Fulham courtesy of an early breakthrough by Ethan Pinnock, a penalty by Ivan Toney shortly after half-time, with Mathias Jensen adding a third in the closing stages.

Manor Solomon had equalised earlier for the Whites – scoring for the fifth consecutive match – and Carlos Vinicius pulled a goal back in injury time, but Brentford did more than enough to merit their triumph.

The Bees remain ninth in the Premier League table, a point and two places behind Fulham, but with two games in hand.

Brentford started vigorously and Bryan Mbeumo missed two great chances, the first a close range effort agonisingly wide, before being denied by a smart save from Fulham keeper Bernd Leno.

However, the Bees took the lead inside six minutes. Defender Pinnock, supporting the attack, slotted home with a left-footed effort inside the Whites' penalty area, via a fortuitous deflection off Tim Ream.

Fulham responded but failed to create any clear-cut chances, before Toney clipped the crossbar with a 20-yard free-kick with 35 minutes gone.

Yet Marco Silva's men eventually levelled just four minutes later. Solomon, unmarked, was sufficiently alert to follow up and head home, via an expertly taken Andreas Pereira set piece which came off the Brentford bar.

In the 53rd minute, Brentford forged ahead again, winning a penalty when Issa Diop kicked Christian Norgaard. Toney subsequently slotted past Leno for his 15th league goal of the season. Moreover, with the Bees pushing for a third goal, Toney almost caught out Leno with an audacious shot from the centre circle.

With five minutes to go, substitute Kevin Schade set up a simple six-yard finish for Jensen.

Fulham substitute  Vinicius turned the ball in when keeper David Raya spilled a Pereira shot.

Brentford: Raya, Hickey (Roerslev 90), Henry, Mee, Pinnock, Norgaard, Jensen, Wissa (Schade , Atoney, Mbeumo (Dasilva 90), Damsgaard (Janelt 75)

Fulham: Leno, Tete (Soares 82), Robinson, Ream, Diop, Reed, Pereira, Willian (Vinicius 82), Lukic (Decordova-Reid 75), Mitrovic, Solomon (Wilson 75)



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/bees-beat-fulham-in-derby-to-extend-brilliant-run

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Brentford 3-2 Fulham: Ivan Toney maintains perfect penalty record, with Mathias Jensen hitting winner in thrilling west London derby as Thomas Frank's side keep their European hopes alive

    Ivan Toney has scored 22 out of 22 penalties for Brentford since joining the club
    Brentford remain ninth while Fulham missed the chance to overtake Newcastle
    Fulham enjoyed the majority of possession but the hosts defended well

These are uncharted waters for Brentford and uncertain times in the career of Ivan Toney.

The impossible dream of European qualification crystallises with every week for Thomas Frank's side; the spectre of suspension hangs over their beating heart.

Toney has already accepted some of his 262 charges over alleged betting offences. What sanctions follow remains to be seen.

And so, in foggy periods like these, there is particular comfort in all that is certain. Round here, few outcomes are more nailed-on than when Toney places the ball down, 12 yards out.

'It is a unique skill,' said Frank. 'It says a lot about his ability to have laser focus.'

The striker has now scored all 22 penalties he has taken for Brentford.

This one was particularly sweet. It came shortly after half-time of a derby against Fulham that, in truth, Brentford should have wrapped up much earlier.

They had led through Ethan Pinnock's early goal and created a hatful of chances before Manor Solomon netted his fifth goal in as many appearances.

How the visiting support savoured that – briefly. How they enjoyed goading Toney over the FA's investigation, too.

He responded with the vital second goal and a taunt of his own, mimicking the celebration of Aleksandar Mitrovic – just as he did at Craven Cottage earlier in the season.

Toney then had a hand in Brentford's third, too, linking up with substitute Kevin Schade, who skinned Antonee Robinson before pulling the ball back for Mathias Jensen to make sure of three points which ensure Brentford are now unbeaten in 12 Premier League games.

A remarkable run – currently the longest in the division – that leaves them a point behind Fulham and seven points off fourth-place Tottenham – despite having played two games fewer.

They are unbeaten here since September; they are one of only three teams in Europe's top five divisions yet to lose a league game in 2023. Toney's tally for the season, meanwhile, is now 15 – behind only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.

He hit the woodwork on Monday, too. He nearly scored from the halfway line. He played one first-half pass with his backside.

'I have always got a spot where I put the ball,' Toney said of his penalty. 'Hopefully if a few teams slip up we can win the league.'

That was a joke but here the result did flatter Marco's Silva's Fulham, who closed the deficit through Carlos Vinicius' last-gasp consolation but created very little.

Given Sasa Lukic was lucky not to see red before half-time, Fulham could have no complaints.

'A disappointing night for us, a disappointing performance,' Silva admitted. 'It was more our fault, the way we cannot play a derby away from home, we cannot start the way we started both halves.'

These are heady days for both teams: top of the pile in West London. On Monday, however, Silva's players came close to drowning inside 20 minutes.

Bryan Mbeumo will wonder how he didn't have a hat-trick in that time. It took just six minutes for Brentford to take the lead – and even that felt not before time.


Fulham hit back through Manor Solomon after Andreas Pereira's free-kick hit the post


Carlos Vinicius netted a second for Fulham late on but the damage was already done

Pinnock's opener arrived after Aaron Hickey's scuffed effort dropped his way, and the defender's shot flew in off Tim Ream.

Fulham were without their midfield anchor, the suspended Joao Palhinha, and – for a while – the visitors lacked any foothold.

They did at least limit the damage, even if Lukic should have joined Palhinha on the naughty step by half-time. He was caught in the face by Toney's stray boot and then, moments after coming back on, Lukic tripped Yoane Wissa as Brentford launched a counter.

He had already been booked but referee Anthony Taylor felt a foul was sufficient - much to the ire of Brentford, who had already seen their lead evaporate.

A few minutes after another let-off, when Toney's free-kick's hit the woodwork, Fulham struck.

Andreas Pereira's own free-kick hit almost the same spot and the ball bounced right into the path of Solomon

It was their first shot on target. Parity didn't last long, mind. A few minutes after the break, Fulham failed to deal with a long throw, Christian Norgaard went to control the ball, Issa Diop tried to clear it.

The Brentford midfielder got their first, the Fulham defender connected only with Norgaard. Silva called the penalty call 'really harsh'.

In truth, though, Taylor was left with little choice. And soon Leno was left with no hope against Toney. Or Jensen.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11827475/Brentford-3-2-Fulham-Ivan-Toney-maintains-perfect-penalty-record-provide-difference.html

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Troubled Toney on target as Brentford beat Fulham

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has saluted "unique" Ivan Toney after the striker's latest dazzling display.

Toney hit the target again as Brentford boosted their bid for Europe by winning a fiery west London derby 3-2 against Fulham.

The striker took his tally for the season to 16 with a penalty to help sink the Bees' local rivals.

Unfortunately for Brentford and Toney, should they succeed in their unlikely bid to reach the Europa League, they may have to enter it without their talisman.

Toney is facing the prospect of a lengthy ban after being charged with 262 alleged breaches of the Football Association's gambling laws dating back to 2017.

But as the 26-year striker promised this week in a social media post questioning the confidentiality of the FA's investigation, Toney is concentrating on his football.

"It tells a lot about his ability to have laser focus," Frank said.

"It's not a coincidence. His ability to focus is quite unique. He never switches off.

"If there's something going on outside the pitch he is still focused."

Toney got his first sight of goal with just two minutes on the clock, collecting the ball on the edge of the area before curling a low shot towards the corner which Fulham keeper Bernd Leno palmed away at full stretch.

Toney's strike partner Bryan Mbeumo had two great chances denied before Brentford's lightning-quick start was rewarded with a goal after only six minutes when Ethan Pinnock's drive took a wicked deflection off Fulham captain Tim Ream to leave Leno helpless.

Totally against the run of play, Fulham equalised from a free kick of their own.

Andreas Pereira's effort from the edge of the box came down off the crossbar and bounced up for Manor Solomon to nod into an empty net for his fifth goal in five matches.

Brentford were gifted the lead for a second time five minutes into the second half when Issa Diop was penalised for the slightest kick on the foot of Christian Norgaard.

Toney stepped up to convert his 21st penalty from the 21 he has taken for Brentford, helping to stretch the Bees' unbeaten streak to 12 Premier League matches and keeping them in the hunt for Europe.

Mathias Jensen increased their lead with five minutes remaining, before Carlos Vinicius pulled one back for Fulham in stoppage time.

"It was a disappointing night for us. A disappointing performance as well," Fulham boss Marco Silva said.

"They scored early in the game and early in the second half but it was our fault. We were sloppy."



https://thewest.com.au/sport/soccer/troubled-toney-on-target-as-brentford-beat-fulham-c-9959441

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Brentford boost European hopes with win over Fulham

Bees triumph 3-2 in London derby between clubs pushing for UEFA qualification

Brentford maintained their push for Europe by beating one of their biggest rivals in the race, overcoming Fulham 3-2 and moving one point behind the Cottagers.

The Bees had already gone close three times when centre-back Ethan Pinnock opened the scoring in the sixth minute, with his low strike deflecting in off Tim Ream.

Fulham equalised before half-time as Andreas Pereira's free-kick came back off the woodwork and Manor Solomon followed up with a close-range header, scoring for the fourth straight Premier League match.

But Brentford regained their lead in the 53rd minute. Issa Diop fouled Aaron Hickey in the box and Ivan Toney scored from the spot, hitting his 15th Premier League goal of the season and maintaining his record of converting every penalty in the competition, with 10 from 10 attempts.

Thomas Frank then brought 21-year-old Kevin Schade off the bench in the 77th minute, and eight minutes later the winger set up Mathias Jensen to make it 3-1.

Fulham substitute Carlos Vinicius gave the Bees a late scare when he scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time, but there was no time for further drama.

Brentford are now unbeaten in 12 Premier League matches. Sitting ninth in the table, they are seven points outside the top four, with two matches in hand on fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3099106

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Player ratings: Brentford 3-2 Fulham

George Rossiter reflects on defeat in the derby.

Fulham fell to defeat at the GTech Community Stadium in a lack-lustre performance, with Brentford the better and more energetic side from first minute to last. Goals from Ethan Pinnock, Ivan Toney and Mathias Jensen were more than enough to see off Marco Silva's side, who remain on 39 points.

Bernd Leno
Despite falling behind early on, it was thanks to Bernd Leno that Fulham weren't three behind in the first 10 minutes, thanks to big saves from Toney and Mbuemo. Even in defeat, the German did himself justice it's fair to say, getting close but not close enough to Toney's well-placed penalty. Our keeper was not to blame for either of the other goals either, with one from close range and another deflected. 7.5/10. – Man of the match

Kenny Tete
Defensively, not really much to complain about. Brentford attacked with pace in the first half and Tete was equal to it, including a number of brilliant recovery sprints and challenges to regain possession. Going forward, most crosses were poor, although it's not just Tete that that can be said for, in fairness. 6/10

Issa Diop
Similarly to Tete, it was a fairly faultless first-half defensively even if Fulham had struggled. As per usual, Diop looked strong in his battles and nothing but composed and precise on the ball. Nightmare struck early in the second half as Diop's clumsy kick in the penalty area resulted in a Brentford penalty, which Toney converted and Fulham never recovered from. 6/10

Tim Ream
A fairly standard Ream performance. It's not a time to praise any defender after a game where your team has conceded three times, but the American didn't do much wrong, and it was unfortunate that Pinnock's early deflected effort came off the skipper. When Fulham aren't at the races and on the ball as much, it's hard for Ream to influence the game as he can from the back. 6/10

Antonee Robinson
Robinson looked promising early on, with a number of solid touches in between Brentford's forwards. We also saw a lot of positive signs regarding the relationship he seems to be building with Solomon, overlapping his winger frequently and effectively. The full-back was uncharacteristically out-ran by Schade late on, who set up the third and decisive goal. 6.5/10.l

Sasa Lukic
An early yellow card and subsequent fortunate second challenge which should've seen the Serb sent off maybe put a slight damper on Lukic's performance and how he could effect the game in the second half. However, in the first 45 there were positive signs of how Lukic is able to dictate tempo and play the ball so calmly. By far the best of the midfield three. 6.5/10

Harrison Reed
Reed isn't the one to ever get criticism, almost every week you can expect a 7/10. Without Palhinha to help him regain possession, and without Bobby De Cordova-Reid for link-up play down the right hand side, Reed struggled to influence the game, having an almost anonymous performance in midfield. 5/10

Andreas Pereira
Bar the free kick that led to the Fulham goal, moments of quality were rare for Pereira, who in all honesty has struggled to influence games are frequently of late. Not often enough was he searching for the ball, something Lukic was doing frequently from a deeper position. Any team is likely to lack creativity when their number 10 isn't on the ball enough. 5/10

Willian
Willian's game didn't seem to change as a result of moving to the right-hand side. He still looked to glide inside and find space where nobody else could. Admittedly, he's played a lot of his career on that side, so fair enough. However, Fulham's lack of control on the game had a knock-on effect on how creative Willian was able to be... not very. 6/10

Manor Solomon
Five in five for the Israeli winger. While that's extremely positive for us, it also potentially adds pennies onto the price tag, or millions of pounds more realistically. His finish showed an instinctive side to his attacking game, which was positive to see. An overall positive first full Premier League start, even in defeat. 7/10

Aleksandar Mitrovic
Feels hard to judge Mitro at the moment. He continues to show the parts of his game that are constantly evolving. Especially when Fulham are struggling, he is so willing to drop deep and link play. However, any striker not getting chances and struggling for goals will get frustrated, as the Serbian showed as the game went on. 6/10

Substitutes
Bobby De-Cordova Reid (75' for Sasa Lukic)
Slightly surprising he didn't come on earlier considering Lukic's situation on a yellow card, good to know he can play in midfield when options are limited in the squad. 6/10.

Harry Wilson (75' for Manor Solomon)
Didn't add anything to Fulham's attack to change the game, you wonder whether the second striker option coming on earlier or the pace of Dan James may have impacted the game more? 6/10.

Cedric (82' for Kenny Tete)
Came on, skied the ball to Brentford with his first touch, of which they went on the attack and scored. We'll categorise that as 'not ideal'. 5/10.

Carlos Vinicius (82' for Willian)
Came on, made himself a nuisance late on despite staring defeat in the face, and scored a late consolation goal. We'll categorise that as 'a good effort'. 6.5/10.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-03-06-player-ratings-brentford-3-2-fulham/

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Silva bemoans 'sloppy' Fulham performance after derby defeat

Marco Silva admitted Fulham's performance against Brentford was a major let-down.

The Whites, so impressive this season, were beaten 3-2 in the west London derby.

They conceded an early goal, scored by Ethan Pinnock, and boss Silva felt they were well short of their best.

He said: "A disappointing night for us and a disappointing performance, I have to say.

"It was our fault. We cannot play a derby away from home and start the way we started.

"We knew they are aggressive and can punish you, and in the first 10 minutes we conceded a goal – we were sloppy at the start of the first half and the second."

After Manor Solomon had equalised six minutes before the interval, Ivan Toney's penalty early in the second half restored Brentford's lead and there was no way back for Fulham after Mathias Jensen netted the home side's third.

"It's a moment for us to learn and improve from this situation," said Silva.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-bemoans-sloppy-fulham-performance-after-derby-defeat

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Brentford punish Fulham's sloppy start
Derbies are often won by the side who starts on the front foot. Brentford gained revenge for their Craven Cottage defeat back in August and were it not for Bernd Leno, Thomas Frank's side could have built an unassailable advantage inside six minutes as they forced Fulham back from the off. The visiting goalkeeper had made two brilliant saves before being totally wrongfooted when the unfortunate Tim Ream diverted Ethan Pinnock's effort into the opposite corner of the net. From that moment on, Marco Silva's men were playing catch up.

They somehow went in level at the break, despite Brentford spurning a flurry of chances and glancing the woodwork twice. Manor Solomon stooped to head in his fifth goal in as many matches after Andreas Pereira's free-kick had crashed against the crossbar, but Fulham failed to kick on in the second period. Ivan Toney, as excellent at leading the line as he is at taking penalties, restored the hosts' lead after Anthony Taylor awarded a soft spot kick against Issa Diop and, when Mattias Jensen touched in a third from close range after substitute Kevin Schade had sped past Antonee Robinson, 'Bees up, Fulham down' echoed around the GTech Community Stadium.

Neither of these sides will need to worry about relegation after superb seasons – and Fulham's return to the top flight has been remarkable given their recent woeful Premier League campaigns. Silva seethed on the sidelines as his side failed to make the most of the lion's share of possession. He had sent on Carlos Vinicius at 2-1 in an attempt to find an equaliser but the Brazilian ended up cutting the deficit in the ninth minute of stoppage time, arcing a clever finish over David Raya after the Brentford goalkeeper had failed to gather Andreas Pereira's speculative shot.

There wasn't enough time for the Whites to mount another attack, but a draw would have been something of a travesty. Brentford very nearly blew their rivals away in a blistering early assault. Pereira didn't seem up for the battle, surrendering position meekly in his own half. Toney certainly was, bringing the best out of Leno from 25 yards, but Bryan Mbeumo hadn't appeared to bring his shooting posts. He spooned a Rico Henry cross over from close range at the back post when it seemed easier to score and was then denied by Leno's right boot.

Silva seemed apoplectic with rage when Brentford were awarded a corner, but there was no excuse for the space Pinnock found himself in on the edge of the area when the set-play was worked short. The centre back had never scored a Premier League goal, but his snapshot struck Ream and rolled into the far corner with Leno already diving to the other side. It might have been much worse for the visitors, but Mbeumo and Tooney both grazed the woodwork with well struck free-kicks.

Instead, it was the Whites who scored next. Pereira bent a brilliant free kick of his own over the wall and past Raya from just outside the box but it bounced back off the frame of goal, falling for Solomon to head into an empty net. Sasa Lukic, perhaps still dazed from being stamped on by Toney, was fortunate to escape a second yellow card after taking out Yoane Wissa as the winger looked set to race clear. The Serbian had a difficult night in the Fulham engine – one wonders what may have happened had Joao Palhinha not wracked up ten bookings.

The decisive moment of the match came when Fulham failed to capitalise on their equaliser after the break. Instead, Taylor pointed to the spot after Diop had caught Christian Nørgaard as he sought to clear a long throw. Toney stepped forward to stroke home 22nd successful spot-kick in a row and then nearly added another when he chipped Leno from just inside the Fulham half but the ball landed on the roof of the net. Brentford did extend their lead with five minutes remaining when Cedric Soares made an awful mess of a routine ball from a throw, allowing Toney to spread the play to substitute Schade along the right flank. The German under-21 international breezed away from Robinson far too easily and picked out Jensen at the near post, who tucked home gleefully.

Vinicius followed up his header against Chelsea by demonstrating his poacher's instinct in the ninth minute of added time. The Brazilian forward followed up when Raya spilled Periera's shot and improvised a clever, flicked finish. It wasn't enough for Fulham, who in a late of ways, where the masters of their own downfall tonight.

BRENTFORD (4-3-3): Raya; Hickey (Roerslev 90+1), Henry, Pinnock, Mee; Jensen, Nørgaard, Damsgaard (Janelt 76); Mbeumo (Dasilva 90+1), Wissa (Schade 77), Toney. Subs (not used): Cox, Janson, Ajer, Baptiste, Onyeka.

GOALS: Pinnock (6), Toney (pen 53), Jensen (85).

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete (Cedrjic Soares 83), A. Robinson, Duffy, Ream; Reed, Lukic (Decordova-Reid 75); Wllian (Vinicius 83), Solomon (Wilson 83), Pereira; Mitrovic. Subs (not used): Rodak, Wickens, Adarabioyo, Harris, James.

BOOKED: Reed, Willian, Mitrovic.

GOAL: Solomon (39), Vinicius (90+9),

REFEREE: Anthony Taylor (Greater Manchester).

ATTENDANCE: 17,025



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/brentford-punish-fulhams-sloppy-start/

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Beating Fulham is 'special' to Bees – Frank

Thomas Frank savoured Brentford's "special" victory over Fulham in the west London derby.

The 3-2 win extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches and continued their superb season.

Bees boss Frank declared: "It's of course special. This is for us, definitely, in the Premier League, the biggest derby.

"It's more special against Fulham and I think in recent years there have been a lot of interesting games between the teams, so of course it meant something extra, especially for the fans."

Brentford remain ninth in the table but are now just one point below seventh-placed Fulham, further raising hopes of a European place.

"We dream and of course we are allowed to dream. Aim as high as we can – that's been the aim from the start of the season," said Frank.

"But you always see that threat around the corner. You have to have laser focus."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/beating-fulham-is-special-to-bees-frank

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Silva slams sluggish starts
A seething Marco Silva slammed Fulham's failure to get going in both halves after his side were beaten 3-2 by Brentford in Monday night's local derby.

The hosts could have been out of sight in the first fifteen minutes at the GTech Community Stadium, with Bernd Leno making two brilliant saves in the first five minutes before he was left helpless when Ethan Pinnock's shot deflected off Tim Ream. Brentford hit the frame of the goal twice in quick succession after opening the scoring and, although Manor Solomon headed an equaliser, Fulham were undone again after a lethargic start to the second period.

Silva told his post-match press conference:

    "[It was a] disappointing night for us, [a] disappointing performance as well. It was clearly our fault, we cannot play a derby away from home and start the way we started both halves. We knew how they are aggressive, how they can always punish you with their runs in behind, linking with the striker or even straight away in behind you.

    We were sloppy the way we started the first half and we were sloppy again the way we started the second half. After the [first] goal we showed a reaction and the character to equalise and start to control the game. When they are winning, they sit back, they have all the team back, they put nine players around their box, so it's not easy – even if you have the possession – to create chances. It's a moment for us to learn and to improve from this situation. The players for sure are going to know during the week why the things happened in this way, and we have to improve for the next one."

Silva also shared his surprise at Anthony Taylor awarding a second half penalty after Issa Diop caught Christian Norgaard as he attempted to clear a long throw,

    "I think that penalty was a really harsh, harsh decision from the official. If it's a VAR decision, I can understand it as it's really hard to see a soft touch from the player. For him to say that straight away it's a penalty, was a big surprise for me. It's a really harsh decision, but even so, it was our fault".



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/silva-slams-sluggish-starts/

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Yunus Musah 'not going to Arsenal' but Fulham ideal for £34m ace

There is no chance of Yunus Musah returning to Arsenal this summer but Premier League neighbours Fulham may be a realistic destination for the Valencia midfielder, former USA international Eric Wynalda tells The Action Network.

Is there any truth to the reports suggesting that the £34 million-rated New York-born youngster could be re-treading his footsteps all the way back to the Emirates Stadium this summer?

Not according to Wynalda. To him, there is a distinct 'paper talk' stench about this latest bout of speculation.

"It's just what agents do all the time. They are trying to position their client in the best spot possible. They're trying to pretend like everybody's interested," argues the former forward, who scored 34 goals in over 100 caps for the United States.

"'Oh I just got off the phone with Chelsea!' Yeah right! It's not true. Let's just back off, take a breath and realise that Musah had a wonderful World Cup for all intents and purposes, but he's not having a good year (for his club).

"It's just a matter of extracting him out of a team who look like they're going down."

Could former Arsenal youngster Yunus Musah really return to the Emirates?
Musah's form, like many at the Mestalla, has suffered of late with Valencia plummeting down the La Liga table. Los Che are currently 19th, albeit just five points adrift of 12th. 

And, as Wynalda points out, this is not the first time a USA international has been linked with a move to one of Europe's biggest clubs recently before ending up at a side a few rungs down the ladder.

Like Weston McKennie, who joined Leeds United from Juventus, Musah may benefit from a team not quite at the 'elite' level but one willing to offer him room to grow and a regular starting spot.

"Let's not get too caught up in it. We heard the same stuff about McKennie didn't we? 'McKennie is going to Arsenal'. Now he's not! He's not going to Arsenal. Grow up everybody. Don't believe everything you read," Wynalda adds.

"(Musah) not going back to either of those places. But start talking other London clubs because that's the real target. Why not (Fulham)? Look at (fellow Americans Antonee) Robinson and (Tim) Ream right now. 

"It's terrific. What Tim is doing is remarkable."



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/03/07/yunus-musah-not-going-to-arsenal-but-fulham-ideal-for-34m-ace/

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Fulham U21 (5) – QPR B (0)
Premier League Cup

Team: Mahoney, Jude-Boyd, Anthony (E), Harrack, Woodman, Owens, Ajose, Murphy, Kargbo, Pedder, Angelov

Sub Not Used: Salamon

I met up with Sammy at Park Royal Underground Station before setting off for the Motspur Park training ground.

Opposite the railway station, and ordering his sausage and chips, happened to be the match announcer. He immediately realised I was an R's fan and we continued our conversation outside.

We took our seats in the small stand, situated some distance from the pitch, which I have to say, appeared a bit on the dark-side in some areas.

Into the game and booked early on was Harry Murphy.Rangers then had a good opportunity to open the scoring after a great ball across the box by Joseph Ajose just evaded the reach of Hamzad Kargbo.

There was no holding back for Mr Swallow as just minutes later he booked another Rangers player!

On 13 minutes, Fulham fashioned a good attempt to take the lead when a ball put over from the right was headed just over the crossbar by Terry Ablade.

The Cottagers went one-up after around 28 minutes. Sonny Hilton's pin-point cross into the box was volleyed into the net by Terry Ablade.

Rafferty Pedder burst forward until he was cynically fouled just outside the penalty area. Charlie Owens stepped up to take the free kick and his shot dipped as it cleared the crossbar.

Ten minutes or so before the break, Arkell Jude-Boyd got himself into a good position before pulling the trigger, but his shot hit the underside of the crossbar.

The home side had looked dangerous down the right-flank and eventually Elijah Anthony moved closer to that side in support of Peter Angelov.

Fulham doubled their lead through what looked like a harsh penalty and Luke Harris made no mistake with his spot-kick. Two added minutes were indicated and at half-time it was 2-0 to the Cottagers.

Three changes were made for the commencement of the second-half, which saw the introduction of; Steven Bala, Henry Hawkins and Riley Cotter at the expense of Elijah Anthony, Kayden Harrack and Charlie Owens respectively.

Soon after the restart, Joseph Ajose's low-strike was well stopped by George Wickens and the ball went behind for a corner.

The home side went three-up after Adrion Pajaziti squared the ball to Luke Harris and the Fulham No.10 picked his spot.

Mr Swallow booked Hamzad Kargbo for a tug on an opponent.

After the R's were awarded a free kick, Rafferty Pedder swung the ball over from the right, which resulted in the Fulham keeper making a point-blank save.

On 70 minutes, Stan Flaherty replaced Joseph Ajose.

Hamzad Kargbo superbly weaved his way past a couple of defenders and with arms aloft, the Fulham keeper held on to the shot that followed.

Martial Godo added a fourth for Fulham after some poor defending.

Steven Bala turned, and fired his shot goalwards, which forced George Wickens down to smother the ball. Henry Hawkins was the next R's player to be shown a yellow card.

At the other end, Martial Godo's first-time attempt was well saved by Murphy Mahoney.

Jay Williams became only the second Fulham player to be booked after he had fouled Stan Flaherty.

Hamzad Kargbo had the ball in the net following Stan Flaherty's cross, but it was ruled offside.

Just as I was edging my way towards the exit, Adrion Pajaziti, situated around 40 yards out, saw the Rangers keeper off his line and his audacious lob bounced off the crossbar. After Murphy Mahoney had collided with the upright, substitute, Oliver Sanderson had the easy task of tapping the ball home.

Steve Russell



https://www.indyrs.co.uk/2023/03/fulham-u21-5-qpr-b-0/