Sunday Fulham Stuff - 24/09/23...

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Results

Saturday
Palace	0-0	Fulham
Luton	1-1	Wolves
Man City	2-0	Forest
Brentford	1-3	Everton
Burnley	0-1	Man Utd

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Crystal Palace 0-0 Fulham

Eberechi Eze was Crystal Palace's brightest spark but couldn't find a way past Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno

Crystal Palace and Fulham cancelled each other out in a dreary goalless draw at Selhurst Park.

The visitors had the better opportunities in a first half lacking in guile, but Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone parried Andreas Pereira's angled drive to safety before diving low to his left to keep out Willian's effort.

Raul Jimenez, who has yet to score a competitive goal for Fulham since his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, also stung Johnstone's palms with a powerful shot after taking Pereira's long ball in his stride.

Eberechi Eze was Palace's biggest threat, firing a long-range free-kick straight at Bernd Leno before drilling narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Chances were few and far between in an equally disjointed second period, Willian shooting at Johnstone from the corner of the six-yard box before substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta sent a tame effort into Leno's gloves late on.

Both teams climb a place in the table after Nottingham Forest's defeat at Manchester City, with Palace rising to eighth and Fulham up to ninth.

Palace fail to fire on Hodgson return
Eagles manager Hodgson was back in the dugout at Selhurst Park after missing last weekend's defeat at Aston Villa through illness.

The 76-year-old confessed himself pleased with the Eagles' showing in the 3-1 reverse at Villa Park, but there was little for Hodgson or the vociferous Palace supporters to get excited about here as the hosts failed to score for the second time in three home matches.

Eze, making his 100th appearance for the club in all competitions, went closest for Palace when he sidestepped a challenge on the edge of the box and drilled narrowly past Leno's left-hand post.

The former Queens Park Rangers man wanted a penalty in the second half after being sent tumbling to the floor by Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed, but referee Paul Tierney waved play on.

Odsonne Edouard, who has scored four of Palace's six league goals this season, had a shot deflected onto the roof of the net by Leno, but the Frenchman's effort would have been disallowed as he was in an offside position from Eze's pass.

Fulham lack clinical edge
As for Fulham, the question remains who is going to fill the goalscoring boots of the departed Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Manager Marco Silva kept faith with former Wolves striker Jimenez in south London but the 32-year-old, who scored three goals for Mexico during the last international break, has now gone 29 Premier League appearances without finding the net.

He was denied by an impressive Johnstone save in the first half, but the striker should have picked out the unmarked Pereira at the end of a second-half Fulham counter-attack.

Willian spurned a late opportunity to win the game when he latched on to a low cross from the right, only to shoot straight at Johnstone.

Fulham have kept more clean sheets than any other team in the top flight this season, but, with home games against Chelsea and Sheffield United coming up in early October, Silva will be desperate for his side to rediscover their cutting edge at the other end of the pitch.




https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66828984

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Post-Crystal Palace Press Conference

Marco Silva was disappointed that Fulham do not have more to show for their efforts at Selhurst Park.

Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was Crystal Palace's star performer in our goalless draw, leaving Silva frustrated that we couldn't find the breakthrough that our play merited.

"I think overall, during the game, we were the team that created more chances to win," he said. "I'm pleased with the performance, we just have to be much more effective in our attack when we're arriving in certain areas of the pitch.

"But when you come here, when you play away from home, and we create at least three clear chances to score, we took many positives from this game.

"We showed character, personality as a team to come to play in our way, in a tough place to play, it's always really tough to play here.

"And most of the moments, we were in control, we didn't give many [chances] for them, apart from one good transition after a throw-in when they won the ball and the ball arrived on the edge of the box for Eze, he shot from the edge of the box. I don't remember another chance from them."

Johnstone's best save came in the first half when he denied Raúl Jiménez a first goal in black and white, while he also kept out Willian late on, after another opportunity had passed us by following Bobby De Cordova-Reid's high press.

"We had the very good one from Raúl first half, good save from the goalkeeper," Silva stated. "Last minutes from Willian the same, very good moment from ourselves.

"And probably the most dangerous moment with the three against two that we had with Bobby, Raúl and Andreas Pereira. We have to score that goal, a three against two, offensive transition that is part of our week, every single week.

"Unfortunately for us, we were not able to score. Overall, I think we did control really well everything from Palace, even when they changed to 4-4-2, I think we were strong enough with good organisation.

"Very good work from our two midfielders and our two central defenders. Good work from our two full-backs, as well.

"I think, overall, we were the best team on the pitch and deserved three points. Even if the game was balanced, the team that created more was ourselves."

Kenny Tete was absent from the game, but Silva hopes to have him back available sooner rather than later.

"I said before the match that he is injured," he explained. "A small problem in his groin in the last game against Luton.

"He didn't work all the week, the first day he felt again the same. It's nothing serious, really. I think he will come back quick, but he was not available for the match."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/september/23/post-crystal-palace-press-conference/

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Report: Palace edged out by Fulham in seven-goal thriller
Fulham 4-3 Palace

Fulham Under-18s came from behind to beat Crystal Palace Under-18s 4-3 in at Motspur Park. Palace fired into a two-goal lead thanks to a Zach Marsh brace, but goals from Tom Olyott, Callum Osmand, Chibby Nwoko and Seth Ridgeon saw the hosts take the lead before Marsh completed his hat-trick in stoppage time.

Summary

    Quinn names an unchanged side from the 1-1 draw with Leicester City last time out
    Marsh puts Palace ahead in the 18th minute with a delightful finish from a tight angle
    The captain gets a brace eight minutes later with a smart bit of hold-up play followed by a precise strike into the bottom right-hand corner
    Fulham get a goal back moments before half-time from the penalty spot through Olyott
    HT: Fulham 1–2 Palace
    Fulham are awarded a penalty for a handball which Eastwood saves in the 69th minute
    Half-time substitute Osmand equalises after being played through by King
    Nwoko completes the comeback four minutes later with a low driven finish into the bottom right-hand corner
    Fulham add a fourth in stoppage time through second-half substitute Ridgeon
    Palace get one back from the spot as Marsh wins the penalty and then converts to seal his hattrick
    FT: Fulham 4-3 Palace

One week after the 1-1 draw at Leicester City, Crystal Palace U18s were on the road again, this time at London rivals Fulham in the Under-18 Premier League South.

Head coach Rob Quinn named an unchanged side from the team which earned a point in the East-Midlands last time out.

It was an even opening 10 minutes with chances coming at either end and Jesse Derry drew the first booking of the match after some clever play down the left-hand side in the 11th minute.

In the 18th minute, the young Eagles made the breakthrough. Zach Marsh showed grit and determination to take the ball off of Eddy Nsasi and drive into the box, before getting past the defender on the by-line and finishing brilliantly from a tight angle.

No less than eight minutes later, the Palace captain had a second. George King made a wonderful run from the back to start the attack which would end in a goal. Marsh showed brilliant hold up play, receiving the ball from Seb Williams with his back to goal, holding off Samuel Tabares, turning, and shooting across goal into the bottom right-hand corner.

Billy Eastwood made a big save in the 41st minute, tipping a powerful strike from Tom Olyott over the crossbar. Nonetheless, Olyott would get another chance at goal just two minutes later, this time from the penalty spot.

Leon Elliott, who had come on to replace the injured Tyler Whyte in the 38th minute, was adjudged to have taken down Lemar Gordon inside the box and Olyott made no mistake from the spot, sending Eastwood the wrong way to offer the Cottagers a lifeline just before the break.

Jake Grante made a superb block just before half-time, throwing himself in the way of Olyott's fierce strike to prevent the score from being 2-2.

Fulham pressed hard after the interval to find an equaliser, and Eastwood was called into action just three minutes into the second half. Callum Osmand, who replaced goal scorer Olyott during the break, was played in behind and forced a big save from Eastwood, who showed great reactions at his near post.

The home side continued to apply pressure, and this paid off in the 68th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Gordon's cross into the box was fired straight at Elliott, who was adjudged to have handled the ball, even though he appeared to have his hands tucked in.

Nonetheless, the penalty was given, and Palace's players would have felt justice was served as Eastwood guessed the right way on this occasion, diving to his right to deny Osmand his brace. Osmand responded well to his miss, however, and got the leveller six minutes later.

After being played in one on one by Joshua King, Eastwood could do nothing on this occasion to prevent Osmand stroking the ball past him. Quinn's side looked to regain their lead straightaway, as they broke through Marsh who was pulled back by Tabares, the defender receiving the third yellow card of the match for his troubles.

Fulham completed their comeback in the 79th minute through Chibby Nwoko. They built up play down the left-hand side and Gordon cut the ball back across the box toward the penalty spot, where Nwoko got on the end of it, sweeping the ball into the bottom right-hand corner through numerous Palace bodies.

Goals came at either end during the 12 minutes of stoppage time which was played. The young Eagles got caught chasing the equaliser, allowing Loupalo-Bi to pick up the ball and play in substitute Seth Ridgeon, who had come on just moments earlier, who made a run into the box and drove the ball home from close range.

The south Londoners were offered hope with minutes to play when the referee pointed to the spot for the third time. After Dino Kaiser had parried Rio Cardines shot from distance, Marsh was able to pick up the loose ball and was taken down by Nsasi. Palace's No. 9 made no mistake from the spot, sending Kaiser the wrong way to seal his hattrick.

Unfortunately, there was not enough time for Palace to find an equaliser, and the referee blew his whistle which signalled defeat for Quinn's side. The loss sees Palace slip to seventh in the U18 Premier League South after results elsewhere, as they remain on seven points, two points off of second-placed Chelsea.

Fulham: Kaiser (GK), De Jesus, Amissah, Tabares (Ridgeon, 90), Nsasi, Nwoko, Olyott (Osmand, HT), Gofford, Loupalo-Bi, King (Ali-Wahid, 90), Gordon.

Subs not used: Park (GK), Bogle-Campbell.

Palace: Eastwood, Adams-Collman, Cardines, Austin, Grante, King, Whyte (Elliott, 38), Williams, Marsh, Dashi (Omobolaji, 65), Derry (Walker-Smith, 74).

Subs not used: Hill (GK), Lusale.



https://www.cpfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/fulham-crystal-palace-u18-premier-league-south-2324/

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Evenly matched Palace and Fulham play out drab 0-0 draw at Selhurst
By Charlie Stong at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace 0

Fulham 0

Crystal Palace and Fulham played out a rather drab goalless draw at Selhurst Park this afternoon on Eberechi Eze's 100th appearance for the Eagles.

Palace had Sam Johnstone to thank for preserving only their second clean sheet of the season, the goalkeeper making four fine saves to thwart the west Londoners.

At the other end Eze had a couple of half chances for Palace, but overall a draw was was about right, and neither side completely deserved to go home with all three points.

Fulham had the better of the first half. First Johnstone prevented Andreas Pereira from scoring, after he had been well found by Antonee Robinson in the inside left position.

Willian, enjoying a rebirth at the Cottage following a woeful spell at Arsenal, then drew another fine save from the goalkeeper, as he looked to curl a shot inside the far right-hand post from just outside the box.

Palace grew steadily into the game but rarely threatened the Fulham goal in the first half. A free-kick from Eze was fired in low but was never going to trouble Bernd Leno.

Johnstone was again called upon to keep the scores level 10 minutes before the break, this time denying Raul Jiminez.

Eze produced Palace's best moment of the half, twisting and turning his defender on the edge of the box before curling an effort just wide of the right-hand post.

Palace started the second half on the front foot. Eze was the main threat for the Eagles again. First his appeal for a penalty when Harrison Reid clashed with him in the box was rightly waved away by referee Paul Tierney, then his shot from a tight angle down the left was saved by Leno.

But as Palace pushed forward, Fulham looked to catch them on the break, and should have been in front midway through the half.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid raced away from the Palace midfield after nicking the ball off Will Hughes. De Cordova-Reid found Jiminez on the right, who only had to square the ball for Huges to tap in, but overhit his pass.

Jiminez then hit a free-kick from the edge of the box into the wall before Willian shot straight at Johnstone when well-placed as Fulham looked to take the points.

But there were no further chances and these teams remain locked together in mid table, both on eight points.

Teams: Crystal Palace: Johnstone, Ward, Mitchell, Guehi, Ayew, Eze, Schlupp (Mateta 70), Andersen, Hughes, Edouard (Rak-Sakyi 90+1), Doucoure




https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/palace-fulham
Fulham: Leno, Reed, Jiminez (Wilson 80), Ream, De Cordova-Reid (Vinicius 80), Pereira (Iwobi 76), Willian, Castagne, Palhinha, Dop, Robinson

Referee: Paul Tierney

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Crystal Palace 0-0 Fulham: Stalemate at Selhurst Park as both sides struggle for any kind of cutting edge on Roy Hodgson's return to the dugout

    Roy Hodgson returned to the dugout after recovering from an illness this week
    Fulham's Willian had the best chance of the match but failed to capitalise

A recovered Roy Hodgson returned to the Crystal Palace dugout today but will have spent much of his Saturday afternoon wondering why he bothered.

Hodgson, 76, missed last week's defeat at Aston Villa with illness, and even had to listen to the game on the radio after failing to work a web link to watch it sent by the club.

He was back on the touchline to see his side play out a stalemate with his former side Fulham, in a match where entertainment was frankly hard to come by. Marco Silva's visitors had the clearest chance to win the game, late on through Willian, but the Brazilian couldn't capitalise.

Palace don't make a habit of losing home games, even when they're not at their best. They have tasted defeat in the league at Selhurst Park only twice since January – and those losses were to Arsenal and Manchester City.

They didn't add to that tally here, although they rarely looked like adding three points either. Fittingly, two teams who started the day level on points in the safe confines of the Premier League's mid-table couldn't be separated.


Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson returned to the dugout in his side's 1-1 draw with Fulham
 

The Eagles and Fulham both lacked any sort of cutting edge at Selhurst Park on Saturday

Ahead of kick-off, Hodgson was greeted with reverence usually reserved for a foreign dignitary by Fulham boss Marco Silva and his assistant Luis Boa Morte,whose playing career at Craven Cottage ended shortly before Hodgson took over as manager in 2007.

Hodgson spent three very happy years at the club and was warmly welcomed by all sections of Selhurst Park as he took his place on the touchline.

Fulham had the better of a quiet first half for both teams. They were first to get a shot away, in the fourth minute, when Andreas Pereira forced Sam Johnstone into action.

Marco Silva's side pressed high up the pitch and snapped into tackles, while looking vaguely threatening on the counter. Willian was next to test Johnstone, though again it was a routine save.

After half an hour, Palace were yet to threaten at all. A few flashes of skill from Eberechi Eze, on his 100th appearance for the club, were all the home fans had to cheer. Instead they focused their efforts on jeering referee Paul Tierney, who was quick to dish out yellow cards in a niggly first period.

It took 32 minutes for Palace's first shot on target, and when it came it was an Eze free-kick straight at Bernd Leno. Three minutes later, Fulham had their best chance of the half when Pereira's searching ball found Raul Jimenez in space in the box. Jimenez took the ball in his stride well and got a powerful shot away, but Johnstone parried it to safety.

The most dramatic moment of the game's opening act came when Joachim Andersen knocked into Pereira off the ball and gave him a pat on the back on the way past. Pereira, admirably eager to breathe some life into proceedings, acted as if he'd been shot in his back, keeling over and clutching it in a manner that would have made the 76-year-old Hodgson blush.

Palace did at least end the half slightly brighter than they started it. In the 42nd minute, Eze manoeuvred himself some space around the edge of the Fulham box and curled just wide of the post.


Willian had the best opportunity of the match in the second half but failed to capitalise
 

Eberechi Eze was a the biggest spark for the hosts and went close to scoring twice 
 

Raul Jimenez (left) remains without a goal for Fulham since his move from Wolves this summer

The game picked up where it left off after the break, which is not a compliment. Palace had a half-hearted appeal for a penalty in the 57th minute when Eze felt he was manhandled by Harrison Reed but VAR Stuart Attwell did not take long to dismiss those claims.

Eight minutes later, Fulham looked well placed to counter when Bobby Decordova-Reid won possession in the final third and played in Jimenez down the right, but his ball across goal didn't find Pereira.

Hodgson sent on striker Jean-Philippe Mateta for Jeffrey Schlupp to add some attacking impetus but the substitute had little effect.

Fulham came closest to providing a winner. Timothy Castagne, lively all day, raced up the right flank in the 83rd minute and passed inside to Reed, who in turn found Willian – unmarked and with most of the goal to aim at. But the Brazilian instead fired straight at Johnstone, and that just about summed the afternoon up.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12552669/Crystal-Palace-0-0-Fulham-Stalemate-Selhurst-Park-sides-struggle-cutting-edge-Roy-Hodgsons-return-dugout.html

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Fulham and Palace play out dour draw
Fulham striker Raul Jimenez missed two good chances at Selhurst Park in a dour stalemate, low on excitement and quality.

The Mexican forward who joined the Whites from Wolves this summer as a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic, has not scored in the Premier League since March 10, 2022.

He should have put his side in front before halftime after being put clear by superb Andreas Pereira pass but shot straight at Sam Johnstone.

In the second period Bobby De Cordova-Reid won possession in the middle of the field but instead of tucking away the midfielder's low cross, Jimenez opted to pass it to Willian and the chance went begging.

Fulham keeper Bernd Leno saved well from Ebere Eze, who was Palace's main attacking inspiration, before the interval and again from Jean-Phillipe Meteta late in the game.

Willian could have won the game 10 minutes from time but his low shot from Reed cross was saved by Johnstone with Joao Palhinha blasting the rebound over the bar from the edge of the box.
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Ream, Diop Robinson; Palhinha, Reed, Pereira (Iwobi 75), Willian, Decordova-Reid (Wilson 79); Jimenez (Vinicius 79).
Subs not used: Rodak, Bassey, Wilson, Ballo-Toure, Muniz, Vinicius, Francois.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-and-palace-play-out-dour-draw

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Crystal Palace 0-0 Fulham: Roy Hodgson returns as dull London derby ends goalless

Crystal Palace and Fulham walked away with a point apiece after their Selhurst Park encounter ended in a goalless draw.

Eagles boss Roy Hodgson was back in the dugout after missing last weekend's loss to Aston with Villa due to illness.

The evenly-matched contest saw Eberechi Eze fire just wide late in the first half, while the visitors were unable to capitalise on their best chance after the restart.

The result ensures the London rivals will share almost identical Premier League records for another week, with Palace only ahead on goal difference.

Sam Johnstone did well to parry away Andreas Pereira's early effort from the left corner of the penalty area, later diving to deny Willian as the first period ticked past the 10-minute mark.

Fulham picked up two bookings in quick succession before Eze floated in a dangerous free-kick which the visitors were able to clear, and boss Marco Silva breathed a sigh of relief after Joao Palhinha was deemed fit to continue after knocking heads with Jordan Ayew in an aerial challenge - for which the Palace man was booked.

The hosts earned another free-kick and this time Eze aimed straight for the visiting net, where Bernd Leno was alert to grab the ball.

At the other end, Johnstone stooped to first collect Timothy Castagne's close-range effort at his near post, then was called in to action soon after to turn away Raul Jimenez's good opportunity to break the deadlock of an increasingly physical contest.

Eze looked to do the same when he patiently swerved his way through a cluster of white shirts, unleashing a strike that sailed just wide of the right post, while Leno picked Ayew's cross out of the air to ensure it remained level at the break.

Will Hughes, who was involved throughout the first half, started off the second by forcing Leno into a simple save with an attempt from his preferred left foot.

Eze, who had just slipped a fine pass to the Odsonne Edouard, who was caught offside, then saw an effort of his own saved, while Jimenez could only nod Antonee Robinson's cross wide of Johnstone's right post.

The Cottagers should have taken the lead when Bobby De Cordova-Reid dispossessed Hughes in midfield and worked his way down the pitch.

The opportunity was wasted when the Jamaica international slipped in Jimenez, who overcooked his pass to the awaiting Pereira and the chance skipped past his foot.

Hodgson made a 70th-minute substitution, replacing Jeffrey Schlupp with Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has so far this season proven a productive partner with the in-form Edouard.

Joachim Andersen headed Eze's corner over and Silva made his first change, swapping Pereira with Alex Iwobi and Fulham enjoyed one of their longest spells inside Palace's final third, Willian forcing Johnstone into another good save with a sharp effort.

Palace had a late chance of their own through Mateta, who saw his weak left-footed shot stopped shortly before four minutes of stoppage time were added to the clock.

Hodgson elected to bring on 20-year-old Jesurun Rak-Sakyi for Edouard to see out the final few minutes, where Fulham staged a late rally but were not able to find the finishing touch.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/crystal-palace-vs-fulham-premier-league-result-2023-hodgson-b1109020.html

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Johnstone keeps Fulham at bay
Fulham had to settle for a point at Selhurst Park this afternoon after failing to convert a succession of chances in a London derby that was devoid of quality in the final third. Crystal Palace were determined and well organised, as any Roy Hodgson side will be, but the hosts were indebted to England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who made four excellent saves, for their share of the spoils.

Marco Silva's big selection decision was whether to give Carlos Vinicius a first start of the season after the Brazilian bagged the winner within five minutes of replacing Raul Jimenez against Luton last week. The Fulham boss stuck with his summer signing, but the Mexican striker extended his barren run to 29 league matches without a goal – as Johnstone spread himself well just before the break when the former Wolves forward looked favourite to convert Andreas Pereira's peach of a pass and then heading wide in the second period as the visitors pushed for a winner.

Johnstone did well to turn an angled drive from Pereira away from danger early on as Fulham's left-sided duo of the impressive Antonee Robinson and Willian linked nicely with the former Manchester United number ten. Willian was also denied by Johnstone in the first half and the wily winger will feel he should have been the goalkeeper after brilliant play by Timothy Castagne, who had replaced an injured Kenny Tete, and Harrison Reed along the right flank.

Fulham looked largely toothless up top without Aleksandar Mitrovic and neither Vinicius or Alex Iwobi were able to speak the Whites in action from the bench as they had last week, whilst Hodgson – returning to the dugout after illness prevent him for taking charge of Palace at Aston Villa – will have been pleased with his side's defensive resolution. The Eagles have only lost twice in the league at home since January, but they struggled to create many clear-cut chances to test Bernd Leno in the Fulham goal.

Ebere Eze, who was on Fulham's books as a youngster, was the home side's likeliest source of a goal but even his electric feet couldn't break the stalemate. Eze, making his hundredth appearance for Palace, eluded two tacklers before firing fractionally wide of goal. The former QPR midfielder was furious to be denied a penalty in the second period when he tumbled theatrically under a challenge from Reed, but card-happy referee Paul Tierney shook his head. Eze did play a lovely ball through the Fulham back four for Odsonn Edoaurd but the French forward was flagged offside. Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta nodded into Leno's hands late on as this forgettable fixture petered out.

The clean sheet will please both managers, who shared a long embrace before kick off. Hodgson will definitely be the happier of the two after Johnstone's heroics kept Fulham at bay, but the visitors' eighth away top flight clean sheet since being promoted back to the Premier League last year certainly shouldn't be sniffed at. Silva will need to solve the goalscoring conundrum swiftly if he wants to improve on last season's mid-table finish.

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1): Johnstone; Ward, Mitchell, Andersen, Guehi; Doucoure, Hughes; J. Ayew, Eze, Schlupp (Mateta 70); Edouard (Rak-Sakyi 90). Subs (not used): Henderson, Clyne, Ebiowie, Holding, Richards, Matthews, Riedewald.

BOOKED: J. Ayew, Mitchell, Doucoure.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, A. Robinson, Diop, Ream; Palhinha, Reed; Decordova-Reid (Wilson 79), Willian, Pereira (Iwobi 75); Jimenez (Vincius 75). Subs (not used): Rodak, Ballo-Toure, Bassey, Francois, Cairney, Wilson, Vinicius, Muniz.

BOOKED: Palhinha, Ream.

REFEREE: Paul Tierney (Greater Manchester).

ATTENDANCE: 25,072



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/johnstone-keeps-fulham-at-bay/

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Palace held by Fulham in goalless stalemate

LONDON, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Crystal Palace were held to a goalless draw by Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday at Selhurst Park in a game short on quality and cutting edge.

The draw moved both teams up the standings by one position, with Palace rising to eighth place on eight points from six games, the same as Fulham in ninth.

Fulham edged an entertaining first half, which had significantly more cynical fouls and crunching tackles than clear-cut opportunities.

Andreas Pereira stung Sam Johnstone's palms with a fierce shot in the third minute, before Willian forced the Palace goalkeeper into a sharp save with a long-range effort seven minutes later.

"I felt good –- there were a couple of saves in there," Johnstone said. "It is nice to do that and to get a point but it would have been better with three."

With manager Roy Hodgson back on the touchline after missing last week's 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa due to illness, Palace weathered the storm and grew into the contest.

Eberechi Eze came close to scoring for the hosts in the first half, sending a curling shot just wide of the post from the edge of the penalty area in the 42nd minute.

Palace caused Fulham more problems in the second half, with Eze emerging as their standout player in attack as he had two penalty claims denied and kept the opposition defence on their toes with his skill and speed.

Fulham striker Raul Jimenez was unable to bring an end to his quest for a first goal since moving to London from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, twice failing to score from promising opportunities before being taken off in the 79th minute for Carlos Vinicius.

In an end-to-end closing spell, Willian and Palace substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta both had chances to score from counter-attacks but neither player was able to break the deadlock.

"(A draw) is a fair reflection, really," added Johnstone. "We had some good chances, they had some good chances.

"Premier League games are never easy so I think it's a fair result. You never know what can happen on matchday."

The clean sheet was Fulham's third in six matches, this season's joint-best record along with leaders and defending champions Manchester City.

Both teams are next in action in the League Cup, with Fulham hosting Norwich on Wednesday and Palace travelling to Manchester United on Tuesday.

Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; editing by Clare Fallon



https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/palace-held-by-fulham-goalless-stalemate-2023-09-23/?rpc=401&;

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Fulham and Crystal Palace maintain identical EPL records after 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park
LONDON (AP) — Crystal Palace and Fulham stayed level on points in the Premier League after playing out a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson was back in the dugout after missing last weekend's game with an illness but watched Eberechi Eze miss his team's best chance in the first half when he shot just wide after swerving his way through a cluster of defenders.

Eze had another effort saved in the second half, while Fulham had its best chance for a winner when Bobby De Cordova-Reid dispossessed Will Hughes in midfield and launched a counterattack before passing to Raul Jimenez. But the striker overcooked his pass to the awaiting Andreas Pereira and the chance skipped past his foot.

Fulham winger Willian forced Sam Johnstone into a good save with a sharp effort, while Palace had a late chance through substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta, who saw his weak left-footed shot saved.

Both teams have eight points from six games with identical records of two wins, two draws and two losses, although Palace is ahead on goal difference.



https://apnews.com/article/crystal-palace-fulham-premier-league-6483f42d5677186ba93a3fae1141ab71

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Johnstone denies Fulham as Crystal Palace frustrated in goalless draw


Photograph: Javier García/Shutterstock

You have to admire Roy Hodgson. A week after being taken to hospital after falling ill before Crystal Palace's game against Aston Villa last weekend, the former England manager watched almost every minute of this arm wrestle of a match standing on the edge of his technical area as two evenly-matched teams played out a stalemate.

On an afternoon that saw Fulham again show their lack of cutting edge in attack since the departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Palace were indebted to goalkeeper Sam Johnstone for keeping Marco Silva's side out with a string of excellent saves. Only Eberechi Eze – making his 100th appearance for Palace – looked capable of unpicking a stubborn Fulham defence but ultimately no one could find the breakthrough in a game between two sides who look destined for mid-table again.

"I was very touched by the concern," said Hodgson. "But if you ask me how I'm feeling then I'm not feeling as good as I was before the game because I was hoping for a victory."

Hodgson admitted that the rigorous tests he was put through at hospital last weekend had made him "more confident than ever I can be out on that field a little bit longer" despite celebrating his 76th birthday last month. But while the return of Marc Guéhi to the heart of the Palace defence after conceding three late goals to Villa in their manager's absence ensured they remain ahead of Fulham on goal difference, it was Silva who was more frustrated after failing to add to their meagre tally of five goals this season.

"We were the team that created more chances to win – we have to be more effective in attack," said the Fulham manager, adding that Raúl Jiménez's first goal for the club should be "only a matter of time" despite the Mexican spurning a good chance here.

Carlos Vinícius had to make do with a place on the bench again despite sealing the narrow victory over Luton last week, with Jiménez starting in attack and rarely troubling Guéhi and Joachim Andersen in Palace's defence. An incisive move down the left flank involving Antonee Robinson and Willian set up Andreas Pereira for the first sight of goal inside the opening five minutes but Johnstone was equal to his shot. The Palace goalkeeper was called upon again to tip away Willian's drive from distance as Fulham showed their intent.

Two bookings in the space of five minutes for João Palhinha and Tim Ream lifted the atmosphere among the home supporters as Palace began to find their feet, although Jordan Ayew could have no complaints after he was shown a yellow card for clattering into the Portuguese midfielder. The scrappy first half fare certainly wouldn't have impressed the former Fulham striker Rodney Marsh who was watching up in the stands as both sides seemed to cancel each other out in spite of the frenetic pace.

Eze finally recorded Palace's first shot on target from a free-kick just after the half-hour mark before Jiménez was presented with the best chance of the half thanks to Pereira's brilliant pass, only to be denied by another good save from Johnstone. Hodgson had the perfect view when Eze curled an effort just wide of the post after a mazy dribble.

A rare mistake from the reliable Ream almost gifted Palace the perfect start to the second half but Will Hughes directed his shot into the hands of Bernd Leno. Eze thought he was in the clear after Cheick Doucouré's timely interception, only for Palhinha to come from nowhere and stop him in his tracks. Referee Paul Tierney then waved away strong appeals from the home crowd when Eze went down in the box after a challenge from Harrison Reed.

Fulham had not offered much in attack since the early exchanges until Hughes was dispossessed in midfield but there was no one to apply the finish to Jiménez's ball across the face of goal. Hodgson decided to go for broke with the introduction of Jean-Philippe Mateta off the bench to partner Odsonne Édouard in attack, while Silva waited until 10 minutes before the end before calling for Vinícius.

But it was Willian who produced the best save of the afternoon from Johnstone's legs after the Brazilian found some space on the left-hand side, with Mateta's dribbling shot at the other end that was easily gathered by Leno summing up a frustrating afternoon for Palace.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/johnstone-denies-fulham-crystal-palace-161141728.html

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Silva disappointed with draw
Marco Silva rued poor finishing as Fulham had to settle for a point despite creating the clearer chances at Crystal Palace this afternoon.

The Whites were held to a goalless draw at Selhurst Park by Roy Hodgson's side with Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone producing a man of the match performance. Silva, while pleased with the quality of Fulham's display, felt his side lacked ruthlessness in the final third.

"I think overall, during the game, we were the team that created more chances to win. I'm pleased with the performance, we just have to be much more effective in our attack when we're arriving in certain areas of the pitch. But when you come here, when you play away from home, and we create at least three clear chances to score, we took many positives from this game.

We showed character, personality as a team to come to play in our way, in a tough place to play, it's always really tough to play here. Most of the moments, we were in control, we didn't give many [chances] for them, apart from one good transition after a throw-in when they won the ball and the ball arrived on the edge of the box for Eze, he shot from the edge of the box. I don't remember another chance from them.

We had the very good one from Raúl first half, good save from the goalkeeper. Last minutes from Willian the same, very good moment from ourselves. And probably the most dangerous moment with the three against two that we had with Bobby, Raúl and Andreas Pereira. We have to score that goal, a three against two, offensive transition that is part of our week, every single week. Unfortunately for us, we were not able to score. Overall, I think we did control really well everything from Palace, even when they changed to 4-4-2, I think we were strong enough with good organisation."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/silva-disappointed-with-draw/

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Silva backs misfiring Jimenez to come good
Fulham boss Marco Silva backed Raul Jimenez to come good after the Mexico striker's Premier League goal drought continued against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Jimenez, who was signed from Wolves during the summer, missed two good chances to score and has not found the net since March 2022.

In a dour game that ended 0-0 and produced few chances, Jimenez shot straight at keeper Sam Johnstone when put clear by Andreas Pereira and then opted to pass instead of shoot from close range from a Bobby De Cordova-Reid pass.

"He works so much for the team and the moves that we needed from him at certain moments," Silva said.

"When he had his chance to score it was a good save from the goalkeeper but could have gone in the opposite corner.

"I think Andreas (Pereira) had the best chance to score and I would be much more happy from him or anyone today but overall I am happy with his performance.

"But I know everyone will want to talk about Raul and I understand that."

Silva felt his side should have taken the three points but acknowledged it was a good point.

"If you analyse what Palace have been doing so far in terms of what they are doing it will be tough to win here," he said.

"But just to perform well and be better than the other side is not the overall goal for us. We want to take points and win football matches."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-backs-misfiring-jimenez-to-come-good

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Leicester City latest: Enzo Maresca's message for Harry Winks, Wilfred Ndidi transfer claim, Fulham interest
FLW takes a look at the latest Leicester City news

It's rarely quiet at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes endured a busy old summer at both ends of the spectrum and their start to life in the second-tier has proved similarly eventful to date as they currently sit well in the promotion reckoning.

Without further ado, then, here's all the latest Leicester news...

Enzo Maresca sends message to Harry Winks
There's not too much that Harry Winks can do wrong at the minute.

A highly-regarded arrival with good reason given his credit in the bank with both Spurs and England, the 27-year-old has unsurprisingly established himself as one of the Championship's finest technical operators and quite literally put in a flawless display during his side's 2-0 midweek victory at Norwich City, with all of his 83 passes being successful.

But just six of them were angled in the final third and that is where Maresca has warned the midfielder to improve.

The Italian boss explained to the Leicester Mercury: "There is always room for improvement, even for Harry.

"There's no doubt he can improve. Probably he can improve the way to play sometimes forward, sometimes to take the right decision.

"All of the players can improve. It doesn't matter their age, it doesn't matter if they play with the international team or in the Champions League, they can work day by day to improve."

Wilfred Ndidi makes transfer admission
Many will have been surprised to see Ndidi remain in Leicestershire beyond the summer transfer window.

While it's hard to deny that his star has dwindled somewhat over the last couple of years, the imposing midfielder still appears a cut above the rigors of Championship football and could've easily secured a move elsewhere.

Interestingly, though, Ndidi himself always knew that he was never going to leave the club as soon as Maresca arrived, and made a recent revelation on BBC Radio Leicester's 'When You're Smiling' Podcast.

When quizzed on whether he thought he was going to move on, Ndidi responded:To be honest no,"

"Because when he (Maresca) came, he tried to explain his philosophy and also the simplicity of the game and I just feel like it's something I can actually learn from.

"I've been open-minded to try and learn more on his philosophy and his style of game and it's been going well. I'm happy that I'm here.

"There's no time that I wanted to leave. Sometimes I saw the news and I was just laughing because it wasn't true."

Fulham eye Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as potential transfer terms revealed
In less positive news, meanwhile, Fulham are courting Leicester star Dewsbury-Hall.

This is according to talkSPORT, who claim that the Cottagers' interest and ability to land the Englishman ultimately hinges upon whether Leicester can maintain their present promotion push.

You do feel that Leicester will be in real trouble regarding Dewsbury-Hall should they falter, as he's been a class apart thus far and looks every bit a player that should really be in the Premier League at this point.

The former Luton Town loanee has occupied a more advanced role following the departure of creative kingpin James Maddison, and he's ensured that the Spurs playmaker hasn't been missed too much by scoring an opening-day brace in the M69 derby victory over Coventry City while providing numerous assists for his teammates.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/leicester-city-latest-harry-winks-sent-message-midfielder-makes-transfer-admission-fulham-eye-star-as-terms-revealed/#fulham-eye-kiernan-dewsbury-hall-as-potential-transfer-terms-revealed

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Player ratings: Crystal Palace 0-0 Fulham

George Rossiter is back with the player ratings.

Fulham made it back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League at Selhurst with a hard fought away draw. Some of the attacking output at both ends was hard to watch at times but an away point at this level is nothing to snarl at. Marco Silva will hope that, in time, he can discover a plan B and the  goals will start flowing. Safe to say this wasn't a game that would ever be shown first on Match of the Day...

Bernd Leno

While Leno had little to do in this game (admittedly more than in the Luton game last week), his importance to this side is staggering. As per Peter Rutzler, Fulham's expected goals against figure is the worst in the entire division, and yet in the early stages of this Premier League season, Fulham have the joint most clean sheets. Smart saves from Eze, Mateta and Edouard showed how alert the German remains even in one of the more boring games he would have played in. 6.5/10.

Timothy Castagne

Showed another side to his potential attacking output compared to his first start against Luton, sometimes attempting the overlap past Bobby as well as involving himself in our build up down the right. In general, Castagne's intelligence on the ball at both ends of the pitch looks to be really impressive and to have already seen a good performance in both full-back positions is really promising. He'll only continue to grow in this squad. 7/10.

Issa Diop

Out of the defensive options at the club, Diop is the one you'd often most expect to have a 'moment', but not today. Without being spectacular, he was quietly incredibly solid. In fact, I can't quite recall any defensive errors from the Frenchman. The pressure he put on French compatriot Mateta late on to prevent a powerful strike heading towards Leno's goal was potentially pivotal. 7.5/10.

Tim Ream

Ream's early yellow card, while mostly undeserved, evidently frustrated Ream and it bled into his performance for the first half. He wasn't bad, but some of his passing and positioning was rustier than the normal, calming defensive presence he provides. Those slight errors buffed out as the game went on and his second half showing showed no reasons to worry going forward. 6.5/10.

Antonee Robinson

The opportunities provided by Robinson's overlapping runs and general pace down the left hand side were shown in the opening minutes as he created a really strong chance for Andreas on the left side of the box. Once again, Jedi proved throughout the improvements to his delivery that have been consistently on show at the start of the 2023/24 season. His recovery pace in stopping a Palace attack in the closing minutes just further emphasised his importance to the side. A really impressive display on return from injury. 8/10. – Man of the match.

Joao Palhinha

Doucoure, Hughes and Eze is far from an easy midfield to play against, but without coming out of second gear, Palhinha was obviously the best of the bunch at Selhurst Park. First to every challenge, strong in the air and on the ground, it's all stuff we're used to now with Joao. Most players would be effected on the pitch had a move to Bayern Munich not surfaced, but not him. 7.5/10.

Harrison Reed

One of Reed's quieter games, but a lot of it feels down to the way Palace tried to attack. Almost everything they did to get success in the final third went through Eze who was picking up some brilliant pockets of space of throughout. This led to Reed often being bypassed in the midfield as Palhinha ended up picking those spaces up in that particular midfield battle. Beyond that, just fairly solid as is to be expected. 6.5/10.

Andreas Pereira

This was a performance quite reminiscent of Pereira last season where a better first half was followed by a relatively anonymous second half. His effort from the left side of the box early on was saved well by Johnstone and his passing put others in similar positions on a couple of occasions, most notably one late in the first half to Jimenez. His impact on the game faded but it was still a decent enough showing. 7/10.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid

A really quiet game for the most part, especially in the early stages where you could really tell how important the relationships between Tete, Wilson and Reed can be when Fulham attempt to build play down the right hand side. The second half was a lot of the same, bar one great chance created for Jimenez which ended up missing. 6/10.

Willian

While it wasn't Willian at his best, it was an improvement on recent showings for sure. Seeing the Brazilian cut inside and shoot at speed from outside the box within the first 15 minutes was nothing other than reassuring, and as the second half developed, his confidence on the ball seemed to improve, even if there was nothing to show for it in terms of attacking output. 6.5/10.

Raul Jimenez

How do you judge a striker that looks to be doing so much good on the ball, getting in all the right areas, but hasn't scored a goal in the Premier League for 18 months despite starting a hell of a lot of games in that time. Raul actually finally got the chances the fans have been begging for him to get at Selhurst Park, but his lack of confidence in front of goal was there for the whole world to see. How much longer Marco Silva persists with a striker that doesn't score goals while Carlos Vinicius sits on the bench is a big question that may need answering. 6.5/10.

Substitutes

Alex Iwobi

Subbed on after 75 minutes for Andreas Pereira

Had a positive impact and bought more pace into the midfield but didn't manage to create a goalscoring opportunity. 6/10.

Carlos Vinicius

Subbed on after 79 minutes for Raul Jimenez

Bar a late offside chance, nothing was created for him in his short cameo, which should've been a much longer one. 6/10.

Harry Wilson

Subbed on after 79 minutes for Bobby De Cordova-Reid

Came on and ran at the Palace defence with pace. Looked more dangerous than Bobby but that's easy to say when fresh legs run at tired ones. 6/10.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-09-23-player-ratings-crystal-palace-0-0-fulham/

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Crystal Palace 0-0 Fulham: Player ratings
Bernd Leno: A quiet afternoon for the German goalkeeper was an encouraging sign as it coincided with a clean sheet. Leno had little to do but dealt with a couple of efforts from Ebere Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, whilst remaining confident in coming for crosses and serving up decent distribution fo the rest of the Fulham side. 6

Timothy Castagne: The Belgian international demonstrated what a shrewd signing he proved to be by stepping in to replace Kenny Tete a week after after an assured home debut where he had deputised for the injured Antonee Robinson. Castagne was more than willing to offer himself as an attacking outlet, regularly bursting beyond Bobby Decordova-Reid, and his selfless surges into the final third almost broke the deadline when Willian failed to convert a cross from Harrison Reed in the second half. 8

Antonee Robinson: The adventurous Amercican left back was my man of th match. Robinson drove deep into Palace territory whenever he could and set the tone for a strong afternoon by being invovled in the move that led to Fulham's first chance, with Sam Johnstone saving well from Andreas Pereira. That remarkable turn of pace was as effective in the dying embers of the contest, when he sprinted to disrupt a Palace attack, Robinson appears to keep getting better and better – which is no mean feat. 8

Issa Diop: Back-to-back clean sheets for the French centre back, who was quietly composed at the heart of a miserly Fulham back four. He kept Odsonne Edoaurd relatively quiet and there wasn't even a panic-indicing back pass to Leno. Diop's distribution has improved since he first came into the side but this was an ungamorous and efficient away display from theex-West Ham centre half. Racking up those clean sheets and points is so important for Silva. 7

Tim Ream: The ageless American veteran continues to impress on the back stage. Ream was resolution personified in the second period, having been irritated – and with good reason – by Paul Tierney's decision to show him a yellow card for a foul. If his decision makin and passing wasn't as assured in the early stages, you could understand the St. Louis native being thrown off by the referee's willigness to card people for next to nothing. But he was composed and confident as the Whites kept the back door closed. 7

Harrison Reed: The 'special one Iniesta' had to work hard all afternoon with Ebere Eze floating into space between the Fulham midfield and where Edouard was leading the line. The former QPR man was largely Joao Palhinha's responsibility but Reed was alive to the danger as well as bombing on into attacking positions when Fulham attacked themselves. Willian probably should have scored from his second half ball, but Reed's work rate and desire were second to none (as we've come to expect). 7

Joao Palhina: Another outstanding afternoon from the Portuguese midfielder, whose tenacity to win the ball back was unaffected by an exceptionally harsh early caution. There's been no sign of any lack of intensity from the former Sporting Lisbon schemer after his deadline day switch to Bayern Munich fallen through – and he dominated Will Hughes and Cheick Doucoure in the engine room this afternoon. His importance to this side was encapsulated by a brilliant recovery tackle to stop Eze in his tracks after Edoaurd had appeared to foul Ream only for Tierney to play on. 7

Bobby Decordova-Reid: One of the Bristolian's quieter afternoons having come into the starting eleven for Harry Wilson. A scorer at Selhurst last season, Decordova-Reid could easily have laid on a goal when the Whites were presented with a three-on-two opportunity in the second half but he delayed the pass to Raul Jimenez, leaving the Mexican with little room to squeeze a shot home from acute angle. 6

Willian: The former Arsenal and Chelsea winger has yet to hit the heights of last season owing to injury and a lack of game time but this was probably his best performance of a stop-start campaign so far. Willian could easily have won it from Reed's cross but placed his finish too close to Sam Johnstone, who saved smartly. His understanding with Robinson and Pereira created some lovely passing triangles even if Fulham were unable to make the breakthrough. 6

Andreas Pereira: Pereira looked like Fulham's most potent threat in the first half, buzzing around with intent at the top of the visitors' midfield, before fading badly after the interval. He forced a fine save from Johnstone early on and then played a lovely through ball for Jimenez only for the Palace goalkeeper to be alert the danger again. Pereira dropped inton a number of promising positions, but it was no surprise that he was hooked after struggling to influence proceedings.6

Raul Jimenez: One of those afternoons that the Mexican centre forward is having at the moment. His hold-up play and understanding with Fulham's midfield and wingers was much improved, but Raul still spurned two clear-cut chances to turn a point into three on the road. He killed Pereira's perfect ball with a touch reminscent of Dimitar Berbatov but failed to find a finish before his cross-shot eluded Pereira as the Whites squandered a three-on-two after the break. 6

SUBSTITUTES

Alex Iwobi: The Nigerian international wasn't as much of a gamechanger as against Luton last week but still added some drive and pace having come on for Pereira with fifteen minutes to play. 6

Carlos Vinicius: Came on for Raul in a change that could easily have happened ten minutes earlier but the Brazilian's only opportunity was swiftly curtailed by an offside flag. 6

Harry Wilson: Looked lively along the right after being introduced in place of Decordova-Reid for the last ten minutes or so. 6



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/crystal-palace-0-0-fulham-player-ratings/

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Fulham boss makes result admission after goalless Crystal Palace draw
Fulham boss Marco Silva believed his side deserved all three points in their goalless draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

The west Londoners had 10 shots – five of which were on target – during the 90 minutes, but they were unable to find a way past Sam Johnstone.

Johnstone kept Willian out late on when he met Harrison Reed's cross towards the back post. However, the Brazilian could not steer a shot past the Palace keeper.

The Eagles only registered three shots on target.

"We deserved the three points overall," said the former Everton and Hull boss.

"We created the most chances to win.

"[We had] the clearest chances, especially Raul [Jimenez] in the first half. Andreas [Pereira], too, when Raul squared the ball. From Willian as well. We created enough.

"We showed quality, pushed them back and controlled the game. [There was] good focus and reaction when we lost the ball, and to control players like Mateta and Edouard when they changed to 4-4-2. Eze is always a threat, a top, top player.

"If someone has to win the game, it should be Fulham because we were the best team on the pitch."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/fulham-boss-makes-result-admission-after-goalless-crystal-palace-draw/

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Ridgeon settles seven-goal thriller for Fulham U18s
Fifteen year-old Seth Ridgeon settled a seven-goal thriller as Fulham's under-18s roared back from two goals down to beat Crystal Palace 4-3 at Motspur Park this morning.

Two first-half strikes from Zach Marsh gave the visitors a commanding cushion before Tom Olyott halved Fulham's arrears from penalty spot. Ali Melloul's men produced a sensational second half display that saw the in-form Callum Osmand level matters and England under-19 international Chibby Nwoko put the Whites ahead with his second goal in as many as games. Young midfielder Ridgeon, capped at under-15 level by England, marked his first appearance for Fulham's under 18s by coolly converting a pass from Aaron Lupalo-Bi in added time and, although the Palace captain completed his hat-trick with a penalty a minute later, the hosts held on to move top of table.

Marsh, a thorn in the side of Fulham's rejigged defence from the outset, almost gave the Eagles a perfect start in the fifth minute but he failed to turn home a deflected cross. Fulham threatened through Josh King with midfield's marauding run culminating in a low shot that skidded wide and George King somehow survived hauling Loupalo-Bi down after the striker had seized on a mistake from the visitors' centre half. Referee Harrison Blair opted to only caution the defender despite him cynically preventing a goalscoring opportunity.

Palace made the most of their good fortune by hitting the front two minutes later. Marsh seized on a mistake from Eddy Nsasi to saunter into the penalty area with flashy footwork and beat Dino Kaiser from the narrowest of angles. The centre forward made it two eight minutes later, shielding the ball brilliantly from Sam Tabares, spinning away from the Fulham centre half and finding the far corner with a lovely left-footed finish into the far corner.

Kaiser made a smart save from Jesse Derry's header preventing things for getting even worse for the hosts, who looked shell-shocked before Olyott took matters into his own hands. The winger was denied by a fine fingertip save from Palace goalkeeper Billy Eastwood and it looked as if the Whites would go in 2-0 down at the interval. But substitute Leon Elliott shoved Lemar Gordon over in the area and Olyott sent Eastwood the wrong way from twelve yards to give Melloul's side something to build on.

Olyott nearly made it 2-2 before the break only for his powerful effort to be bravely blocked by young Eagles' central defender Jake Grante. The goalscorer made way for Osmand at the start of the second half and the Welshman almost equalised immediately with Eastwood required to get his angles right to repel a left-footed drive. Fulham continued to push forward with Nwoko seeing a drive deflected wide.

Fulham had the chance to draw level midway through the second period when Elliott was harshly adjudged to have handled a Gordon cross, but Osmand's low penalty was superbly saved by Eastwood. The substitute didn't let his head drop, however, and kept his head when Josh King threaded a lovely ball through the away defence to beat Eastwood in a one-on-one. The Eagles responded well with Tabares taking a yellow card for pulling back Marsh as the Palace striker looked to be heading through on goal.

An end-to-end encounter tilted towards Fulham for the first time with twelve minutes to play. A lovely move along the left flank involving Osmand and Gordon finished with Nwoko lashing through a crowded penalty area from eleven yards after timing his run from the engine room masterfully. The game remained in the balance well after twelve minutes of added time were indicated but Palace paid the penalty for searching for a leveller. Loupalo-Bi's lovely weighted ball released Ridgeon six minutes after he had stepped off the bench and the schoolboy slotted home impressively from close range.

Marsh wasn't finished, however. He looked favourite to grab his third goal when he followed up after Kaiser had saved a long-range effort from full back Rio Cardines but was fouled by Nsasi. The Palace number nine emphatically dispatched the ensuing penalty to set up a frantic finale but the home side were able to survive late pressure to move top of the U18 Premier League South table after an incredible comeback.

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-2-3-1): Kaiser; de Jesus, Amissah, Tabares, Nsasi (Ridgeon 90); Nwoko, Gofford; Olyott (Osmand 45), Gordon (Ali Wahid 79), J. King; Loupalo-Bi. Subs (not used): Bogle-Campbell, Park.

BOOKED: de Jesus, Tabares.

GOALS: Olyott (pen 44), Osmand (74), Nwoko (78), Ridgeon (90+6).

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-1-4-1): Eastwood; Adams-Collman, Cardines, Grante, G. King; Austin; Williams, Dashi (Omobolaji 64), Whyte (Elliott 40), Derry (Smith 73); Marsh. Subs (not used): Hill, Lusale.

BOOKED: G. King.

GOALS: Marsh (18, 26, 90+8).

REFEREE: Harrison Blair.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/ridgeon-settles-seven-goal-thriller-for-fulham-u18s/

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Silva keeping faith with Jiménez
Marco Silva is backing Raúl Jiménez to end his barren goalscoring run despite Fulham's summer signing during another blank during yesterday's goalless draw at Crystal Palace.

The Mexican international, signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £5m in July, has not found the net in English football since March 2022 – and has now gone 29 Premier League matches without scoring a goal after Palace keeper Sam Johnstone denied him in the first half at Selhurst Park. A lack of confidence might have accounted for why the 32 year-old looked to play in Andreas Pereira rather than shoot himself in the second half as the Whites squandered a three-on-two that Silva said they 'had to score'.

But the Fulham boss told his post-match press conference that was more to Jiménez's game than his failure to find the net.

"He works so much for the team and the moves that we needed from him at certain moments. When he had his chance to score it was a good save from the goalkeeper but [he] could have gone in the opposite corner. I think Andreas had the best chance to score and I would be much more happy [with a goal] from him or anyone today but overall I am happy with his performance. I know everyone will want to talk about Raul and I understand that."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/09/silva-keeping-faith-with-jimenez/