Thursday Fulham Stuff - 07/12/23...

[WhiteJC]

Silva hails 'great team performance'
Marco Silva hailed 'a great team performance' after Fulham demolished Nottingham Forest 5-0 at Craven Cottage tonight.

The Whites scored three goals in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time as they piled more pressure on beleaguered Forest boss Steve Cooper in a dominant display. Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez both bagged braces before Tom Cairney put the icing on the cake with a sumptuous finish after a silky run through the visitors defence.

Silva told his post-match press conference:

"I'm really pleased. I am delighted with the win, the result. The players deserve all the credit – great team performance, great result for us. Another great feeling that we took from the match tonight is the clean sheet, really important for us. I spoke before the match about it, I said to the players again when we were winning 2-0 that we have to keep it, keep playing in the same way, trying to be on the front foot always, but we have to be solid off the ball to not give them some chances to make counter-attacks.

We knew before the match that was the moment probably where they were prepared to punish us, and we did really well and the players deserve all the credit for that. Of course, some really nice goals as well, with the way that we build, some of the goals were really good, and congratulations, they deserve the credit – the players – congratulations for the fans too, because they deserve it."

The Fulham head coach heaped praise on Jimenez but reflected that he had put in an outstanding centre forward's performance at Liverpool on Sunday without finding the net.

"It was fantastic but I have to say that at Anfield he did an amazing game as well. He didn't score there, but when you play sometimes far from your goal, and you have to fight with van Dijk and Matip and all their players, in some moments we went a little bit more direct. The way he was able to win the duels and to link our game when we went a bit more direct, in terms of commitment and effort, it was unbelievable at Anfield what he did.

I told him after the match at Anfield that I knew these type of things will come, it's going to be a consequence from his hard work. Of course, a better performance from us in the offensive part of the game gives the striker much more conditions for them to perform and to score as well, and it was really nice to see. The first goal he scored against Villa felt like a relief for him, that all that weight that he had in his back went straight away out from him. And from that moment you see much more fresh play, much more confidence, because of the quality he has."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/silva-hails-great-team-performance/

[WhiteJC]

"Not pulling up any trees" - Carlton Palmer reacts to potential QPR, Fulham transfer agreement
Rodrigo Muniz has been linked with a move from Fulham to QPR

    Muniz's goalscoring record in the Championship has been underwhelming, raising doubts about his ability to solve QPR's goalscoring issues.
    Although Muniz has been part of successful teams in the Championship, his individual performance has not been outstanding.
    QPR may need to consider alternative options before pursuing a deal with Fulham for Muniz.

Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz may not be the answer for QPR as they look to boost their goalscoring options in the January transfer window.

That's according to Carlton Palmer, who does however, admit that the 22-year-old does have some pedigree at Championship level.

Could QPR sign Muniz from Fulham in January?
Following the appointment of Marti Cifuentes, things have started to look more positive for QPR as they battle to avoid relegation from the Championship.

Under the Spaniard, the R's have picked up eight points in five league games, as many as they had in 14 matches since the start of the campaign, prior to his appointment.

However, the club are still 22nd in the Championship table, some four points adrift of safety as things stand.

Goals have been something of a problem for QPR this season, with only bottom club Sheffield Wednesday (12) finding the net on fewer occasions than the Hoops (17) in the Championship this season.

As a result, recent reports from TeamTalk have claimed that QPR are now interested in a move for Fulham's Muniz in the January window, in a bid to ease their goalscoring issues.

Now however, it seems Palmer is unsure as to whether the Brazilian would be the best option to take on that role for Cifuentes' side.

What has Palmer said about QPR potentially signing Muniz?
Given the striker's goalscoring record since he moved to Fulham from Flamengo in his native Brazil in the summer of 2021, Palmer is seemingly uncertain as to whether Muniz should be a target for QPR.

However, the ex-England international does note that the 22-year-old has previously enjoyed success in the Championship, both with Fulham, and on-loan at Middlesbrough last season.

When asked by Football League World whether he thinks Muniz would be a good signing for QPR, Palmer said: "Muniz has struggled for game time in the Premier League, but played 25 games in the Championship when Silva's side won the second division title in 2022.

"I'm not so sure Rodrigo would be the answer for QPR with goals. He went on loan last season, and scored two goals in 17 appearances, so not pulling up any trees there.

"But he has been part of a team that has been promoted in Fulham, and last season, he was part of the Middlesbrough team that made it to the play-offs."

What's next for QPR?
There are still several games remaining for QPR between now and the transfer window reopening at the turn of the year.

The R's still have to take on some of the sides they are battling with to avoid relegation, such as Plymouth Argyle, Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall, which could provide further opportunities to pick up points.

However, they also have some more challenging fixtures to come against teams competing for at least a play-off place, such as Ipswich Town, Millwall and Hull City.

Would Rodrigo Muniz be a good signing for QPR?
Given the goalscoring record QPR have produced so far this season, you can understand why they would be keen to add another striker to their ranks come January.

With a lack of game time at Fulham this season, it would also be no huge surprise if Muniz was one who could be available at the turn of the year.

However, as Palmer says, Muniz has not exactly produced a prolific individual record during his time in the Championship with either Fulham or Middlesbrough, even with both sides performing well during his time there.

That could suggest it would be difficult for the Brazilian to make an impact in a QPR side in a more challenging position, meaning they may want to explore potential alternative options, before pursuing this particular deal with Fulham.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/not-pulling-up-any-trees-carlton-palmer-assesses-potetial-qpr-fulham-transfer-agreement/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham looking at move to sign new "complete" striker for Marco Silva
The Cottagers are wanting to bolster their attacking ranks.

Fulham are looking at a deal to sign a new striker in January, and a fresh report has revealed that he's already in the Premier League.

Aleksandar Mitrovic replacement
Over the summer, Aleksandar Mitrovic left the club and made his big-money move to Saudi Arabia, joining Al-Hilal for a club-record fee, but the hierarchy are yet to purchase a long-term successor, despite thinking they had done so during the previous window.

The Cottagers secured the services of Wolves centre-forward Raul Jimenez, but having scored only three goals to date (Transfermarkt - Jimenez statistics), not to mention that he isn't getting any younger at 32, he's not been the direct heir that the top-flight side can utilise.

Chelsea's Armando Broja is a new and much younger target that Marco Silva appears to have set his sights on, with the 22-year-old having worked his way up through his club's various youth ranks to get promoted to their first-team, but he's not been able to get as much game time as he would have liked.

Albania's international has made just two starts and four substitute appearances this season in the top-flight (WhoScored - Broja statistics), and the fact that he's so low down in the pecking order means that chiefs have been alerted that he could be made available for transfer in January.

Fulham eyeing Armando Broja
According to Football Insider, Fulham are considering a move for Broja, but any deal being struck is likely to depend on Chelsea being able to find a suitable replacement before he was to join.

"It is believed that Chelsea star Armando Broja is one name being looked at by Craven Cottage chiefs ahead of the new year. Fulham could step up their interest in the Albania international as they prepare to end their interest in Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy.

"Broja could be a realistic alternative to the Guinea international, but it is unclear if Chelsea would allow him to leave mid-season. It is believed the Blues would have to sign a new striker of their own before allowing the 22-year-old to leave."

Broja is the "complete" final third package
Since the start of his career, Broja has racked up 54 involvements, 43 goals and 11 assists, in 151 appearances, and while he can be prolific when leading the line through the middle, he's also comfortable playing in several other areas (Transfermarkt - Broja statistics).

Standing at 6 foot 3, Mauricio Pochettino's talisman is a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions over the grass following his arrival on the professional scene, including everywhere across the frontline and as an attacking midfielder.

According to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Broja is therefore a "complete" striker, and having previously scored at Craven Cottage when playing against Fulham recently, Silva would no doubt love to secure his services and get him on the home side in January, making this one to watch.



https://www.footballfancast.com/tottenham-news-pole-position-winger-same-agent-as-son-latest-transfer-update/

[WhiteJC]

Ashley Williams was 'really impressed' with 23-year-old Fulham player vs Nottm Forest
Fulham put together their best performance of the season last night against Nottingham Forest and Marco Silva might just have discovered his perfect centre-back partnership in Calvin Bassey and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Speaking on Match of the Day, BBC Sport pundit Ashley Williams was full of praise for the Nigerian international in particular.

The fixtures are coming thick and fast now in the Premier League alongside the fact Fulham have a Carabao Cup quarter-final to look forward to before Christmas.

Marco Silva made several changes to the team that agonisingly lost 4-3 to Liverpool on Sunday.

It was the first time that he had been able to pair Calvin Bassey and Tosin Adarabioyo together at centre-back, with Tim Ream dropping to the bench.

Bassey was finally handed the opportunity to play on his preferred left-hand side, having relied heavily on his weak foot to try and play the possession-heavy style Silva demands of his players.

That caused him some trouble earlier in the campaign against Tottenham, but he looked much more comfortable last night.

Bassey was heavily involved in Fulham's opener against Nottingham Forest, winning the ball back and then going on a run that will remind many fans of a certain Denis Odoi.

The Belgian loved the occasional excursion up the field from centre-back and in Bassey, we might have another centre-back who enjoys an attacking foray.

Bassey singled out for praise as Fulham destroyed Nottm Forest
Speaking about the first goal, Ashley Williams said: "I was really impressed with this guy Calvin Bassey today, he starts off this attack [for the first goal].

"A great take from [Tom] Cairney and then they've got forward runners, people that want to score goals.

"[Raul] Jimenez takes the defender and then that's a clever finish from [Alex] Iwobi, doing what wingers should do."

Bassey admitted at the start of the month that he was still adapting to playing on the right of Fulham's defence.

His partnership with Tim Ream was improving game on game and Ream's calmness and passing range was a key part of Silva's set-up.

However, Bassey showed against Nottingham Forest that he can play that role for Fulham going forward.

While Forest were awful yesterday, Fulham put them to the sword and that level of composure in front of goal has been missing for much of the season.

The calmness they showed in possession reminded many fans of how they used to dominate matches in the Championship and long may that continue.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/12/07/ashley-williams-was-really-impressed-with-23-year-old-fulham-player-vs-nottm-forest/

[WhiteJC]

Jimenez delighted with double
Raul Jimenez beamed with delight after scoring twice as Fulham cruised to a comfortable win over Nottingham Forest last night.

The Mexican striker, buoyed by breaking his Fulham duck at Aston Villa before the international break, drove in a venomous first after nice approach play between Alex Iwobi and Andreas Pereira and doubled his tally early in the second half with a deft backheel. Jimenez told FFCTV after the final whistle:

"I'm really happy. I needed this kind of night. I'm really happy to score twice in a game – it's fantastic for me. I'm going to keep pushing to score more goals. We created a lot of opportunities and I was there in the right place to do it. I had the opportunities. I scored and I want to keep doing this – we've been playing really well in the last few weeks, we have scored eleven goals in the last three games I think. We have to keep going.

We showed today that we have the team spirit to go into every match and compete with everyone. Three days ago, we went to Liverpool and we played really well. We didn't get the result we wanted, but tonight here at home, we did really well I thought."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/jimenez-delighted-with-double/

[WhiteJC]

Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano gives insight into Arsenal's confidence of signing 28-year-old Premier League star
Transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has made it clear that there is plenty of interest in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha ahead of January, though Arsenal are not particularly confident about it being an easy deal to get done.

The Gunners seem to be one of the clubs alongside Bayern Munich who are showing an interest in signing Palhinha after his superb form at Craven Cottage, but Romano has played down any suggestion that this will be straightforward for interested clubs.

Palhinha came close to leaving Fulham for Bayern in the summer, but they will surely be no pushovers when it comes to fresh interest in the Portugal international, especially as they'll be doubly keen not to lose such an important player in the middle of the season.

Arsenal have struggled to get much playing time out of the injury-prone Thomas Partey this season, so a signing like Palhinha coming in for cover in that defensive midfield role could be great business for the north London club to ensure they can remain competitive in the title race.

This seems like one to watch, with Romano having this to say for now: "Joao Palhinha – Bayern remain interested in Joao but yes, there are also UK clubs in the race now it's true.

"He's very expensive and that's why clubs like Arsenal believe the investment is not easy at all for the January window, but things will happen around João, for sure."



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/12/07/arsenal-transfer-news-fabrizio-romano-on-joao-palhinha/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 5-0 Nottingham Forest: Player ratings
Bernd Leno: A quiet night for the German international, who was able to admire some fine Fulham football from for much of the evening. When called upon he swept up effectively but also made a sharp save from Anthony Elanga to preserve a clean sheet as the game entered the last ten minutes. 7

Timothy Castagne: Another excellent display from the Belgian international – restored to the starting line-up after Kenny Tete's return from injury at Anfield. A willing runner from right back all evening, Castagne steps forward with authority regularly – although perhaps not at the pace that Tete can manage – and has quickly become a reassuring presence in Fulham's defensive line. 7

Antonee Robinson: The American international didn't hit the heights of Liverpool on Sunday, but he didn't need given how complete Fulham's dominance of this contest was. There were still rampaging runs down the left wing but also clever interchanges between him, Willian and Palhinha, and Robinson looks more composed on the ball than perhaps at any other point in his Craven Cottage career. 7

Tosin Adarabioyo: A composed return to the heart of Fulham's defence for Tosin Adarabioyo, who demonstrated why he would be a big loss in the summer if the Whites are unable to agree a new deal. Dovetailed well with Calvin Bassey at the back and used his height to win crucial early headers. A relaxed and delightful distributor of the ball, the classy centre half looked as if he had played alongside Bassey for ages. 7

Calvin Bassey: The Nigerian international looked much more at ease on his natural left side. If this was his audition for replacing the rested Tim Ream in the longer-term, then he passed with flying colours – although there will be far sterner tests to come. Bassey is strong in the air and on the ball, as well as quick over the ground, and looks a natural fit for Silva's system. You can see him growing in stature with every game. 7

Joao Palhinha: A much better performance from our coveted Portuguese international than on Sunday at Anfield. Iwobi and Jimenez will dominate the headlines that don't concern Steve Cooper, but Palhinha set the tone with a couple of ferocious early challenges when Forest had started with a fair deal of ambition. He pinched the ball for Sangare for the second goal and after that the Whites were on easy street. 8

Tom Cairney: The skipper shone brightly against his boyhood side with a performance that underlined just how effective he can be at this level when the team is set up to utilise his strengths. The Cairney-Palhinha axis is a terrific option for Silva to have in central midfield when he wants to control possession and the Scottish international looked imperious last night. He played a key role in the opening goal that settled the hosts down and capped an outstanding display with a lovely solo strike before opening pantomime season in front of the Hammersmith End. 9

Alex Iwobi: The summer signing for Everton has really made a difference in the final third over the last month of so. His first Premier League double comprised two delightful finishes: initially finishing off a flowing move having lost his marker at the back post and then a clinical half volley from a pinpoint Harry Wilson cross. But the Nigerian was involved in everything, picking out Pereira with a lovely ball for the second goal, and caused chaos down the right flank all game. 8

Willian: Another inventive display from the Brazilian, who produced a peach of a cross to get the scoring started when he found Iwobi at the far post. The evergreen winger oozes class and each of his inventive runs poses a threat to the opposition. Last night illustrated why he is so important to Silva's plans because he uses the ball so intelligently and gets through more than his fair share of defensive work. We are blessed to be watching him. 7

Andreas Pereira: This felt like the attacking midfielder was back to his best. Unfortunate not to open the scoring with a free-kick that grazed the post, Pereira quickly imposed himself on proceedings and he made Raul Jimenez's two goals with magnificent moments of vision. He's had a quiet season but this performance showed just what he can deliver at his best – and why Silva has kept faith with him this term. 8

Raul Jimenez: Hot on the heels of an excellent outing at Anfield, this was the Mexican's night at Craven Cottage. He took his goals expertly but there was a confidence about the striker's all-round game that was all the more pleasing. He's had a tough start to life at Fulham but looks like a forward reborn having ended that long goalscoring drought. Hammered him his first with aplomb and showed serious strength to hold off Ola Aina before finishing with a lovely little backheel in front of the Hammersmith End. Richly deserved his standing ovation. 9

Substitutes:

Harry Wilson: Fulham's Welsh wizard only needed ten minutes to create a goal for Alex Iwobi and made it look effortless. The former Derby loanee will always be pumped to play against Forest – and he produced a majestic touch and the perfect cross for the Nigerian winger to finish at the far post. 7

Fode Ballo-Toure: This was a night when Silva's substitutes didn't need to be game changers but Ballo-Toure was in the mood all the same. His cameo was certainly eye-catching with a couple of powerful runs down both flanks almost leading to further goals. 7

Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Little time for Sunday's goalscoring hero to impose himself, but De Cordova-Reid did what De Cordova-Reid does – covered plenty of ground in support of team-mates even if the contest was long since over. 6

Sasa Lukic: The Serbian provided a bit of bite to midfield as Palhinha's late replacement but was irate after ballooning a late shot well over the bar. 6

Carlos Vinicius: A couple of encouraging runs after he replaced the excellent Jimenez – and pleasingly no fisticuffs with opposition centre backs this time. 6



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/fulham-5-0-nottingham-forest-player-ratings/

[WhiteJC]

Alex Iwobi singles out 'quality' Fulham teammate for praise after last night's win
Fulham star Alex Iwobi singled out teammate Willian for praise after their side hammered Nottingham Forest at Craven Cottage last night.

Iwobi was speaking on Prime Video alongside Tom Cairney after the Whites recorded their biggest win of the season.

It was a performance that many Fulham fans would have sensed was on the horizon after the latest international break.

Scoring goals has been Fulham's big problem this year, with avoidable mistakes creeping in at the back.

However, Fulham looked assured from the 20th minute onwards and against a lacklustre Nottingham Forest side, they took full advantage.

Forest went behind to an Alex Iwobi goal that was set up by a pinpoint cross from Willian.

He went on to score a brace as did Raul Jimenez who finally discovered his shooting boots after a tough start to the season.

Club captain Tom Cairney completed the rout and is showing with each game that he's more than capable of controlling a midfield in the Premier League.

The silky midfielder was exceptional, but Willian once again showed his class out on the wing and it showed just how in control Fulham were that Silva felt he could substitute the Brazilian after an hour.

Iwobi praises Willian after Nottm Forest win
Asked about the 35-year-old winger, Iwobi said: "Yeah, I mean we know he's quality, we see it every time in training and everyone's seen it in the Premier League.

"Willian's such a great player, he makes it easy for us because you just run into the box and he's able to find you nine times out of ten."

Willian has had an up-and-down season compared to his first campaign at Craven Cottage.

He was very good against Wolves last week and played a part in Fulham's third goal at Liverpool on Sunday.

Forest simply couldn't deal with the likes of Iwobi and Willian in wide areas and the Nigerian managed to score the first brace of his professional career.

It was also Willian's 300th game in English football and he couldn't have capped it in a better way.

Silva bringing Willian off after an hour shows that he needs to manage his minutes during the busiest period of the season.

It will be interesting to see if he retains his place in the side against West Ham on Sunday, or if Harry Wilson will be given the nod.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/12/07/alex-iwobi-singles-out-quality-fulham-teammate-for-praise-after-last-nights-win/