Monday Fulham Stuff - 18/12/23...

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Results

Sunday 17/12
Arsenal	2-0	Brighton
Brentford	1-2	Villa
West Ham	3-0	Wolves
Liverpool	0-0	Man Utd

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Manchester City eyeing £80k-a-week Premier League midfielder

Manchester City are reportedly showing interest in Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, after turning their attention away from Lucas Paqueta.

Just last month, it was reported that City did still want to make an attempt to sign Paqueta from West Ham United.

But that attempt was apparently dependent on the player clearing the suspicious betting activities against him.

Now, the Daily Star are claiming that City could make a £50 million swoop for Joao Palhinha in January, with the Portugal international having really impressed at Craven Cottage...

Manchester City interested in Fulham star Joao Palhinha
According to the publication, the 28-year-old is now considered the best option available.

It is expected that City will bid farewell to Kalvin Phillips in January, with the likes of Juventus and Newcastle United keen.

Pep Guardiola is said to be keen to secure a 'superior' replacement.

Palhinha has racked up 55 appearances for Fulham so far across all competitions since leaving Sporting CP in the summer of 2021.

He has scored six goals for the Cottagers, but he is mainly known for his defensive work, with Sky Sports saying of him back in March in a feature: "(He is) A master of anticipation, extending his long legs at precisely the right moment to dispossess unsuspecting opponents."

Interestingly, according to FBref data, Palhinha has a higher percentage of dribbles tackled than Rodri in the Premier League so far this season (66% vs 60%). Amazingly, he has actually made more than double the number of tackles Rodri has (76 to 32).

Palhinha would be a great signing, but it's not happening
It would be brilliant to see City land Palhinha in January because he has established himself as one of the top holding midfielders in the Premier League.

But realistically, it just isn't happening.

Fulham are not going to want to lose one of their best players in the middle of the season. Sanctioning Palhinha's exit could genuinely mean they become tangled in a relegation battle, as opposed to pushing for the European spots.

It's likely that the £80,000-a-week star will also be wary about coming to City and potentially playing second fiddle to Rodri. At Fulham he's the main man, so he's surely keen to stay in that role a little while longer yet.



https://www.manchestercity.news/manchester-city-eyeing-80k-a-week-premier-league-midfielder/

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Manchester City 'plotting Palhinha move'
The silly season has started well before Christmas in the red tops. The Daily Star Sunday suggests that Manchester City are interested in signing Portuguese powerhouse Joao Palhinha and are considering making a bid of £50m. How nice of them.

I'm not sure why the Star wasted the column inches on this story – and it is even more bewildering seeing the Mirror and other outlets rehashing it. Every piece references the fact that Fulham agreed a £65m deal with Bayern Munich to sell Palhinha in September only for the move to fall foul of the German transfer deadline, but the Cottagers have been scotched suggests that the division's best defensive midfielder won't leave SW6 for a discounted fee – however much the Bavarians brief their favoured reporters.

Marco Silva referenced the widespread interest in the player he nurtured through the Sporting youth ranks during Thursday's press conference – claiming that ten or fifteen clubs could come calling in January. But Palhinha has put pen to paper on a contract extension, which strengthens the club's position, and would leave them demanding double the paltry £50m that City are linked with this weekend.

City Football Group, backed by the bountiful resources of Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, certainly have the means to pay what Palhinha is worth so if Pep Guardiola is genuinely seeking an enforcer at the base of his midfield following the failed Kalvin Philips experiment, then he can splash the cash.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/manchester-city-plotting-palhinha-move/

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Carvalho Reportedly Open to Fulham Return
The wheel of Fabio continues to turn this week.

Earlier this week, journalist David Lynch reported that Liverpool FC were interested in recalling Fabio Carvalho from his loan spell at RB Leipzig due to a lack of playing time.

In response, Leipzig sporting director Rouven Schroder said:

    "These are typical power games that ultimately emerge."

Well, ok, sure? It's a bit of a puzzling answer as there's no commitment in the form of an option or obligation for Leipzig to sign the player at the end of the season.

Liverpool is still committed to the development of Carvalho as they are keen to send him somewhere else in the 2nd half of the season where he can play.

A report from Ryan Taylor of The Mirror states that the Portuguese playmaker is open to rejoining former club Fulham. There is mutual interest from the Cottagers, despite there seemingly no real need for another creative attacker in their ranks.



https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-fc-transfer-news/2023/12/17/24004427/liverpool-fc-transfer-rumour-fabio-carvalho-open-to-fulham-return-burnley-linked-rb-leipzig

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Man City could rival Liverpool for Fulham star Joao Palhinha amid Kalvin Phillips exit talk
Man City could join the race for Fulham star Joao Palhinha in January, talkSPORT understands.

The midfielder is set to be the centre of a transfer tug-of-war next month with Liverpool and Bayern Munich both interested in the midfielder.

Palhinha saw a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern collapse at the 11th hour on transfer deadline day in the summer.

The midfielder had passed his medical in Germany and had even posed with the club kit, before missing the deadline to get the deal through.

Bayern are likely to again be in for the 28-year-old in January.

There is Premier League interest in Palhinha too, with Liverpool being long-time admirers.

talkSPORT reported earlier this month that his advisers have been sounding out several Premier League clubs as they look to push for a January exit.

talkSPORT understands that Man City will be one of those would could firm up their interest.

A lot will depend on what happens to Kalvin Phillips in January, with an exit likely to pave the way for a midfielder to come in as a replacement.

Phillips has struggled to force his way into Pep Guardiola's plans, despite Rodri missing games through suspension and injury.

Among the clubs linked with the ex-Leeds star are Newcastle and Manchester United.

talkSPORT also understands that Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich is another player who could be considered for a Premier League switch to Man City.



https://talksport.com/football/1680643/

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Referee's tunnel reaction after raging Fulham tried to speak to him about Newcastle call
Newcastle United made the most of a man advantage to defeat Fulham 3-0 and Marco Silva was keen to congratulate the Magpies on a deserved win before hitting out at referee Samuel Barrott's performance

Marco Silva has revealed that Samuel Barrott started running when the angry Fulham boss tried to speak to the referee following his side's 3-0 defeat against Newcastle United.

Fulham played more than two-thirds of Saturday's game at St James' Park with 10 men after Raul Jimenez was given his marching orders for clattering into Sean Longstaff in the first half. Barrott booked Jimenez at first, but the official changed his mind after being sent to the pitchside monitor for a second look and sent the Fulham striker off.

Although Silva 'congratulated' Newcastle and hailed the Magpies as a 'very good side', after goals from Lewis Miley, Miguel Almiron and Dan Burn gave the hosts a deserved win, the Portuguese spent his entire press conference talking about Barrott. Silva said Barrott, who was taking charge of just his eighth top-flight fixture, put in a 'strange and poor performance from the first minute to the last'.

Silva even went as far as to say that Fulham only got their first decision after 21 minutes and hit out at Barrott for failing to punish Jamaal Lascelles for a 'clear' elbow on Jimenez before the Mexico international saw red a few minutes later. That was not something Barrott was prepared to discuss with the irate Fulham boss.

"He doesn't want to," Silva told Match of the Day. "When I went to speak to him, he started to almost run to the dressing room. It is what it is. It's what we are facing right now. Respect to them. He didn't want to speak with me. OK. No problem."



https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-fulham-referee-tunnel-reaction-28305328

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Everton handed major boost for Fulham Carabao Cup quarter-final as Marco Silva gives scathing assessment
Fulham will be without a key player when they travel to Goodison Park.

Fulham will be without Raul Jiminez when they face Everton in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Goodison Park on Tuesday.

The striker was given a straight red card in the Cottagers' 3-0 loss against Newcastle United. Jiminez, who had scored three goals in his previous two appearances, flew into a wild challenge on Magpies midfielder Sean Longstaff. Referee Samuel Barrott branded Jimenez a yellow card but after a VAR review, it was upgraded to a sending-off. The former Wolves marksman must serve a three-match suspension and will not be involved when Fulham travel to Everton in two days' time.

Fulham boss Marco Silva gave a scathing assessment of Barrott's display and feels he did not 'handle the pressure' at St James' Park. He said: "Disappointing afternoon. It was probably the quiet game Newcastle needed after the midweek Champions League game. It wasn't our fault, the quiet game in the end.

"Before the red card it was a clear elbow from [Jamal] Lascelles. He knew Raul was there. The elbow out. Until the 21st minute [in] all the moments, the referee didn't give us one foul. For Newcastle, it was a free-kick every time.

"These types of games, the referee has to have the ability to handle the pressure because always with the home crowd. The Premier League should decide [upon] a referee with the experience and ability to handle pressure. This is the best example of a referee who doesn't have the experience to handle the pressure. Any doubt, any foul, he didn't give one. Even the elbow in the face of Raul."



https://www.liverpoolworld.uk/sport/football/everton/everton-handed-major-boost-for-fulham-quarter-final-as-marco-silva-4448722

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Tottenham 'intensify' pursuit of new Brazilian target as Postecoglou sets 'priority' after failed Nott'm Forest, Fulham bids
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly stepping up their approach for Benfica star Morato, a player Nottingham Forest and Fulham have both failed to sign.

Morato is a 22-year-old centre-back who came through the ranks at Sao Paulo. He eventually graduated from their academy to the first team, and it did not take long for European clubs to set their sights on him.

In September 2019, Benfica spent €7.6million to take Morato to Portugal. He spent two seasons with Benfica's second team before gaining promotion to their senior squad in summer 2021.

It took Morato time to adjust, but he is now starting to establish himself as a regular in Benfica's first team. The Brazil U23 international has made 15 appearances in all competitions this term, including five in the Champions League. He is also showing his versatility, having operated at left-back in recent weeks.

Portuguese clubs are known to be excellent at developing young players, and Benfica are once again working their magic on Morato. He is the latest young star to emerge on the radars of Premier League sides.

Morato was initially named as a target for Tottenham in late November. On Friday, The Sun revealed how Ange Postecoglou's side had sent scouts to watch him play four times in November.

Portuguese outlet O Jogo have now provided an update on the situation (via Sport Witness). They state that Spurs have 'intensified' their chase to sign Morato recently.

Postecoglou has landed on the Brazilian as a 'priority' target for the January transfer window as he looks to firm up his defensive options. Micky van de Ven, who shone at the start of the season, is expected to be out until mid-February due to a serious hamstring problem.

Tottenham aiming to sign Benfica star Morato
While Van De Ven has been out, Postecoglou has been forced to use full-backs Emerson Royal and Ben Davies, as well as unwanted player Eric Dier, in central defence. Morato arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would give Postecoglou another solid option at centre-half, allowing Emerson and Davies to provide cover at full-back instead.

Morato could also become the long-term replacement for Dier, with the latter coming towards the end of his Spurs contract and likely to leave in either January or the summer.

Should Spurs manage to sign the Primeira Liga star, then they would be succeeding where Prem rivals Forest and Fulham failed. O Jogo add that Benfica have previously rejected a €25m offer from Fulham for him, as well as a €30m proposal from Steve Cooper's side.




https://www.teamtalk.com/tottenham-hotspur/intensify-pursuit-new-brazilian-target-tottenham-priority-nottingham-forest-fulham-failed-bids

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This is really shameful – Just how many ready to humiliate themselves on Raul Jimenez red card
The Raul Jimenez red card at St James' Park has provoked plenty of debate.

The Fulham striker sent off following a challenge on Sean Longstaff.

This incident happening towards the midway point of the first half, Newcastle United going on to deservedly win 3-0.

I have to say, this is really shameful, just how many ready to humiliate themselves on the Raul Jimenez red card decision.

If you haven't seen the incident yet, you need to, the highlights of the match below, leading off with the red card challenge / assault.

Basically, Raul Jimenez angry because he hadn't got a decision against Jamaal Lascelles, where the United captain had caught him on the face when winning the ball, a challenge that sometimes would bring a free-lick, sometimes not. Possibly even a yellow card if the referee deemed it a foul. Anyway, Raul Jimenez writhing around on the ground holding his face, until that is he realised the referee wasn't giving anything, then of course leaping to his feet and sprinting around, clearly looking to make his mark, some kind of retribution.

Newcastle United had carried on an attack and when Fulham cleared it to wards the East Stand side of the pitch, Sean Longstaff taking possession in a non-dangerous position, then out of nowhere, Raul Jimenez running full pelt and launching himself as he ran into the air with his studs leading, only to seemingly realise too late just how ridiculous this challenge / assault was, so twisting his body in midair and his body rather than boot connecting with Longstaff's head and flattening him.

The referee initially giving a yellow card, only for VAR to then ask him to look again, with then the correct decision of a red card belatedly given.

Marco Silva declared after the match, during a long rant about how the referee had unfairly treated Fulham throughout...

"The way he [Raul Jimenez] jumped into the player, it's not a serious tackle, it's not something really serious like a red card.

"I think the [yellow card] decision from the referee probably was the most assertive one. But, again, the VAR wanted to decide something different.

The acid test with anything like this is always to ask the question, what would the Fulham manager have been saying if the roles had been reversed, if it had been Sean Longstaff challenging / assaulting Raul Jimenez in similar fashion?

Well. we all know the answer to that one, don't we!

Never in a million years would Marco Silva have been saying anything other than Sean Longstaff, or whichever Newcastle player, absolutely deserved a red card for this type of challenge.

This would have been exactly the case as well where pundits, journalists, rival fans are concerned, if it had been a Newcastle United player making the challenge.

However, as we all know, these days so many people are ready to humiliate / shame themselves by saying things they absolutely know are untrue, just because it is Newcastle United. As it was an assault / challenge on an NUFC player, then countless individuals desperately trying to back up Marco Silva's delusional take on it.

The Raul Jimenez challenge was ridiculous, it was so reckless and negligent, it is a red card in any football match. Once he launched himself at pace into the air like that, it is only going to be pure luck if the victim walks away from without a potentially serious injury.

The Fulham striker had clearly lost it, he was on a mission to hit back after his own perceived injustice, he was out of control and made the type of challenge that no football player would ever make if it wasn't for the red mist affecting him. Nobody challenges for the ball like that, it was always going to end badly, certainly for Raul Jimenez, and potentially very very badly for Sean Longstaff, once Jimenez ended his sprint with that take-off.

With most other incidents you can claim it was badly timed, accidental, or whatever. However, doing something so extraordinary as this, so reckless and negligent as to whether somebody gets hurt or not, you are guilty regardless of the eventual outcome, whether somebody does end up hurt or not.

It is a bit like parking your car on a steep hill, getting out and letting the handbrake off, then claiming you should escape any punishment simply because through pure luck nobody got seriously injured.

The thing that Marco Silva clings to, is that the referee only initially gave a yellow card.

It is ironic that the Fulham boss goes on and on about how such an inexperienced referee handled so much of the match so badly and made so many poor decisions, then congratulates him for the one decision the referee made that was truly appalling.

I think this inexperienced referee totally bottled the decision AND at same time did what referees do so often these days. They consciously decide NOT to make the right call because it would have a massive impact on a match, with the knowledge that they have the VAR safety net to save them. A bit like having your penalty saved BUT having a guarantee that you will still have a tap-in if that proves to be the case.

Samuel Barrott, if watching this Newcastle v Fulham match instead of refereeing it, would have 100 times out of 100 called it a red card for Raul Jimenez.

As I said earlier on, Marco Silva knows fine well that this was always a red card offence. Get him wired up to a lie detector test, along with any zero integrity journalists and pundits who are claiming the same as the Fulham boss. The readings would be off the scale!

Stats via BBC Sport:

Newcastle 3 Fulham 0 – Saturday 16 December 3pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Miley 57, Almiron 64, Burn 82

Fulham:

Jimenez 22 Red card

Possession was Fulham 29% Newcastle 71%

Total shots were Fulham 6 Newcastle 27

Shots on target were Fulham 4 Newcastle 10

Corners were Fulham 1 Newcastle 5

Referee: Samuel Barrott

Attendance: 52,055 (Approx 1,200 Fulham)

Newcastle team v Fulham:

Dubravka, Livramento (ritchie 84), Lascelles, Schar (Krafth 14), Burn (Botman 84), Bruno, Longstaff, Joelinton (Lewis Miley 36), Almiron, Gordon (Hall 84), Wilson

Unused subs:

Karius, Dummett, Gillespie, Alex Murphy

(Official Newcastle United injury update – Follows Newcastle 3 Fulham 0 – Read HERE)

(Marco Silva blames the referee for Newcastle 3 Fulham 0 – You have to laugh! Read HERE)

(It was definitely everything I ever dreamt of – Lewis Miley living the... dream – Read HERE)

(Read Newcastle 3 Fulham 0 – Instant Newcastle United fan / writer reaction – read HERE)

Newcastle United confirmed matches to end of January 2024:

Tuesday 19 December 2023 – Chelsea v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 23 December 2023 – Luton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 26 December 2023 – Newcastle v Forest (12.30pm) Amazon

Monday 1 January 2024 – Liverpool v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 6 January 2024 – Sunderland v Newcastle (12.45pm) ITV

Saturday 13 January 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (5.30pm) TNT Sports

Tuesday 30 January 2024 – Aston Villa v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports



https://www.themag.co.uk/2023/12/this-is-really-shameful-just-how-many-ready-to-humiliate-themselves-on-raul-jimenez-red-card/

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Liverpool loanee plotting 'shock return' to former club as 'unhappy' Klopp plans January recall
Fulham are interested in re-signing Liverpool playmaker Fabio Carvalho in January with his RB Leipzig loan expected to end, according to reports.

Carvalho joined the Cottagers at the age of 11 in July 2014 and came through the youth ranks before making his first-team debut in September 2020.

His impressive performances in west London earned him a £7million move to Liverpool at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

Minutes were hard to come by in his debut season at Anfield. He only played 11 minutes in the Premier League after October.

A move to Leipzig in the summer was supposed to help Carvalho's development but he has once again struggled to nail down a starting spot.

The 21-year-old has only started one of Leipzig's 15 Bundesliga matches this term and has zero goal contributions in 14 appearances across all competitions.

There has been talk of the Portuguese youngster's loan in Germany ending prematurely in January, though it is unlikely that he will have more opportunities to play back at his parent club.

Another loan is the most likely scenario for Carvalho and Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Liverpool are eager to terminate the loan, with Leipzig hopeful of keeping hold of the player until the end of the season.

Romano wrote on X: "RB Leipzig spoke to Liverpool again as they have expressed desire to keep Fabio Carvalho and have said he's regarded highly.

"Liverpool insist on his return from loan — as he's a big part of future plans and gametime is most important, key factor for Fabio this season."

And if Liverpool recall Carvalho and put him on the loan market, his former club Fulham are believed to be at the front of the queue to land him.

According to the Mirror, 'Liverpool want to recall' the 21-year-old, who 'is open to a shock return to' Marco Silva's side.

The Reds have started discussions with Leipzig with Jurgen Klopp 'unhappy with his lack of minutes'.

Unfortunately for Klopp and Fulham, the German side 'have reaffirmed that the 21-year-old remains part of their plans for the remainder of the campaign even though the deal does not include a permanent transfer clause'.

While Carvalho is 'open' to re-joining his former side, who are also interested in making the deal happen.

Leipzig failed in a £10m bid to sign Carvalho on a permanent basis in the summer but the Reds rejected the offer as Klopp still values the young winger for the long term.



https://www.football365.com/news/liverpool-loanee-plotting-shock-return-former-club-unhappy-klopp-january-recall-fulham-carvalho

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Everton now have a great advantage in Carabao Cup quarter-final as Marco Silva rages at decision
Everton have been handed a major boost ahead of their Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Fulham at Goodison Park on 19 December after Raul Jimenez was handed a straight red card against Newcastle.

Jimenez has been on flying form for Fulham recently, scoring three goals in his two games leading up to the Premier League game with Newcastle where he was sent off for violent conduct.

Fulham boss Marco Silva was raging at the decision, slamming referee Samuel Barrott in his post-match press conference, with his comments likely to land him in hot water.

"Until the 21st minute [in] all the moments, the referee didn't give us one foul," Silva ranted via Liverpool World [16 December], "For Newcastle, it was a free-kick every time.

"In these types of games, the referee has to have the ability to handle the pressure because always with the home crowd. The Premier League should decide [upon] a referee with the experience and ability to handle pressure.

"This is the best example of a referee who doesn't have the experience to handle the pressure."

A 3-0 defeat against Newcastle and their star striker being sent off is everything Everton would've hoped for for their opponents ahead of a cup quarter-final. With the manager's comments showing their frustrations, there is arguably no better time to play Fulham.

Given Everton's form as well, having won four on the bounce without conceding a single goal, every boost they receive could prove to be a huge one as far as their hopes for progressing further into the cup competition are concerned.

An unstable atmosphere at Fulham, combined with the positive one at Goodison Park with the home team flying lately may create a perfect storm for Sean Dyche and his players to seize the opportunity and reach the Carabao Cup semi-final.

With the winner of this quarter-final joined by the winners from clashes between Port Vale and Middlesbrough, Chelsea and Newcastle, and Liverpool and West Ham, the Toffees could be handed an ideal opportunity to challenge for silverware.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/12/17/everton-now-have-a-great-advantage-in-carabao-cup-quarter-final-as-marco-silva-rages-at-decision/

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Positives and negatives: Newcastle United 3-0 Fulham

Marco Silva's Fulham exhibited some of the sauciest football we have ever seen in our last two meetings and one expected defeat against Newcastle United will not erase that. Eddie Howe's squad has been ravaged by injuries; they had key squad members in the pits, but they weren't to be taken lightly. There's never a good time to face them at their place, even in depletion, so while we'll unpack Saturday's happenings, we shouldn't let this result spoil a festive season which is going to be amazing.

We've a Carabao Cup quarter final at Goodison Park to attend; it's going to be a lip-smacking spectacle and then, we've Burnley on the 23rd, an early Christmas treat that'll surely have us rockin' around the Cottage. A Boxing Day jolly-up in Bournemouth? Bloody go on then, son. This article is going to outline where we (and others) went badly wrong but am I going to sob into my mince pie? To heck with that!

Reality check: we're 11th in the standings with 21 points on the board and we've encountered Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Liverpool and now Newcastle on the road and we're still standing. Dust off the ultra-thick jumpers, smash a bottle of port down your throat because it's being a flirtatious little poo, just do everything that's necessary over the next week because when you put things in perspective, everything is fine and dandy in SW6 and that is all we'd wished for this time last year.

Positives

Futile defiance in flashes

Our first-half efforts were in vain; we gave as good as we got and it eventually stood for nothing but I suppose there are a few factors that can be looked upon in a positive light, albeit a dimmed one. We combined excellently on the break with Tom Cairney and Alex Iwobi carrying possession with purpose, we fashioned decent scoring opportunities through Harry Wilson on the right but without a leading striker to pick out, our threats were futile. The odds were stacked up against us, although Toon didn't have it all there own way for the game's entirety, not in football terms, anyway.

As the game wore on we had to surrender possession to maintain our shape and one player that contributed superbly to our defensive work was Andreas Pereira. He didn't shrink when the ball had to be won and his exploits epitomised the tremendous team spirit on show before half-time. We were fluent in flashes, defiant as Newcastle's optimism increased, we survived a frantic first half with our dignity intact and I know I'm reaching here, but this defeat isn't a major cause for concern because really, truthfully, we could all see it coming once the hosts held the advantage. Lick them wounds, draw a deep breath and punt this loss into the past.

Negatives

Raul's red rear-end

I don't think there's ever been a red card quite like Raul Jimenez's arse-to-face poleaxe. Evidently, Jimenez wanted instant revenge for being elbowed by Jamaal Lascelles and he certainly left his mark, or skids, on Sean Longstaff's kisser. I can't quite decipher whether it was an act of sheer stupidity or a genuine mistake, either way, Raul divebombed into his victim with force, he tried to pull out mid-air but it was far too late for abortive manoeuvrers and once the footage had been slowed down, the Mexican's collision with Longstaff appeared to be so much worse than what it actually was.

For what it's worth, not that isn't going to sit well with everyone, for me, that isn't a dismissal and if the jerseys were swapped, it wouldn't have even been acknowledged as foul play or reckless misconduct. I can appreciate that Jimenez's head loss wasn't called for but you cannot tell me that it was completely intentional, with malice and disregard, I honestly believe he misread the situation entirely but what do I know? I'm not a qualified, paid match official *cough*.

As it happened, I stand by the opinion that Raul was attempting to charge down a long ball that never materialised, and the game is played at such a pace that momentum can and will carry a player further than they'd have bargained for. That's how I saw it, I'm not condoning Jimenez's sudden surge of blood but it was definitely spin doctored by Stockley Park and as we'll debate shortly, Sam Barrott was automatically obliged to swap yellow for red because nowadays, on-field referees cannot think for themselves.

Inevitable defensive submission

10 men at St. James' Park, against a Toon team that had a point to prove after being ejected from the Champions League, Fulham's fate was sealed in the 21st minute and who could blame them, really. There's only so much pressure and strain a side can take until they can't hold on any longer and the Whites' defensive submission was inevitable. Resistance was at breaking point after the interval, they'd fought tirelessly in the first 45 to stave off Newcastle's advances but as the hosts upped the intensity, buoyed on by 50,000 lager bellies, we hadn't a single hope or prayer.

We'd been resolute in our last two outings, in fairness. We'd barely been troubled by Nottingham Forest or West Ham but being a man down away from home, our initial game plan was rubbished early on and we had to adopt a low block, we had no other alternative and it was a recipe for distress. With an extra body up top, we would've been better balanced but as we couldn't lump it up field to an attacker capable of holding it up, our progressive relevance lessened and we could do nothing more than camp in our own half as the Magpies gained territory and impetus.

Newcastle's tails were up, with everyone behind the ball we banked ourselves against their relentless press but their first of the afternoon wasn't pretty from a defensive perspective, at all. Bruno Guimarães bundled through bodies, nobody stuck a firm challenge in and it fell to the feet of a 17-year-old Lewis Miley, who became Newcastle's youngest PL goal scorer since James Milner in 2004. Of course that was always going to be the case.

Their second was a comical mix-up, the miscommunication between Bernd Leno and Antonee Robinson enabled the ball to trickle towards a vacant net and Miguel Almiron did the honours from yards out. We were rattled, we couldn't regroup amid the Magpies' insistence to inflict yet more pain and their third – while there was absolutely no way we were going to claw ourselves back into things – was inescapable. Nobody's stopping Dan Burn at the back stick, not even Tosin would, and though Leno made a great save at first, we were powerless to prevent it from being shunted in.

Berating Barrott's bias

In his post-match autopsy, Silva summed up Barrott's afternoon and in no uncertain terms, the gaffer's words were scathingly accurate. If Newcastle players dropped like flies, Fulham culprits were carded. If our lads were cynically scythed down, Barrott didn't bat an eyelid. At stadiums such as St. James', officials have to be strong-willed in their decision making, they have to block out the growl of obese, topless Geordies and they have to uphold a level playing field. That wasn't the reality on Saturday afternoon because the game was slanted hugely in the Magpies' favour.

The Whites received two yellows and a red. It wasn't the Battle of the Somme but there were strong, professional fouls flying in from all angles and yet, the hosts weren't disciplined or reprimanded, they were given free reign and yet again, we're questioning the validity of Premier League officials. Barrott was given a heft backhander by the PIF and VAR was held at gunpoint hired hands. That's the only reasonable explanation for the flagrantly biased narrative the refs followed so dedicatedly.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid was cautioned simply because his opponent couldn't get the better of him on the corner flag, you've central defenders flinging arms at skulls but protecting the penalty area with perfectly reasonable contact? Oh no, the PGMOL simply will not stand for it, unless you've vaults upon vaults of blood money at the ready and a reputation for killing people off in the dead of night. I'll quit while I'm ahead. Marco's statement will probably get him into bother but actually, he wasn't lying. Why should managers save face for the ref's sake? Poor, disingenuous officiating is seldom investigated and while the powers that be endorse respect, they're hardly worthy of it and they probably never will be.




https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-12-17-positives-and-negatives-newcastle-united-3-0-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham considering move for Feyenoord's Mats Wieffer?
Fulham are reportedly contemplating a January move for Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer.

The 24-year-old grew up in the Twente youth ranks before leaving for Excelsior, who subsequently sold him to Feyenoord for a paltry £494,000 in the summer of 2022.

Wieffer's stock has risen significantly his arrival in Rotterdam, playing a fundamental role in Feyenoord's Eredivisie triumph during his debut season with one goal and five assists in 25 league matches.

The Dutchman remains an integral cog in Arne Slot's system and has started the 2023-24 season with three goals and two assists from 22 games in all tournaments, starting five of their six Champions League group-stage matches.

The Eredivisie champions pipped Celtic to a spot in the Europa League despite suffering a 2-1 loss to Brendan Rodgers's side on the final matchday, and according to Football Insider, Fulham sent scouts to watch Wieffer in action in that game.

Marco Silva's side are now believed to be weighing up a January approach for the midfielder, but as he is under contract in Rotterdam until 2027 - having signed an extension in May - his signature will not come cheaply.

Feyenoord will supposedly demand around £20m to £25m to let Wieffer leave midway through the campaign, and the Netherlands international has been earmarked as a potential successor to Joao Palhinha.

The tough-tackling Portuguese lynchpin was on the cusp of joining Bayern Munich over the summer transfer window, allegedly going as far to complete his medical and conduct pre-announcement press duties with the German champions.

However, a deal to bring Palhinha to Bavaria collapsed as Fulham failed to sign a replacement, and the ex-Sporting Lisbon man extended his contract until 2028 in September, with the option of a further year.

Nevertheless, the Cottagers are braced for more bids for Palhinha in January and the summer, with Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool also said to be attentive to the situation.

Wieffer, who stands at 6ft 2in tall, boasts a total of six goals and nine assists in 59 matches for Feyenoord across all tournaments and has earned seven caps for the Netherlands since making his debut in March.

As well as the Dutchman, Fulham are also said to have been running the rule over Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez, who has burst onto the scene with Feyenoord to become one of Europe's most highly-rated marksmen.

The 22-year-old has netted 20 goals and set up five more in 21 matches across all tournaments this season, including an astounding 18 goals in 16 Eredivisie contests.

Fulham are facing incredibly stiff competition for Gimenez's signature, though, as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also taken a liking to the former Cruz Azul man.

Fulham had Raul Jimenez sent off in a crushing 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United at the weekend and now turn their attention to Tuesday's EFL Cup quarter-final clash with Everton at Goodison Park.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/fulham/transfer-talk/news/fulham-considering-move-for-feyenoords-mats-wieffer_531607.html?newsnow

[WhiteJC]

Everton facing 'another' big injury worry ahead of Fulham quarter-final clash
Everton had already gone about proving the doubters wrong with their current run of form, which has established a healthy gap between themselves and the relegation zone just weeks after their ten-point deduction had expunged their previous record.

However, yesterday marked a new high for Sean Dyche's men, who overcame great adversity to claim another vital three points at the home of relegation rivals Burnley.

The Clarets were in poor form, but missing Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye through suspension marked two key blows for the Toffees. And that was before Vitaliy Mykolenko proved another surprise absence, omitted from the starting lineup due to injury.

Well, Dyche has sought to provide a fresh update for fans, and it does not sound like good news.

Asked about Abdoulaye Doucoure's half-time substitution, the 52-year-old noted: 'Yes, he had a tight hamstring. He is another one that we are just going to have to wait and see. Mykolenko is touch-and-go for Tuesday, Doucs will probably be the same.

'We get two back [Idrissa Gana Gueye and Jarrad Branthwaite] after the suspensions but it's a tough one at the minute, particularly with the full-backs [situation].'

What other Everton players are injured?
With one of the club's biggest games of the season thus far, as a huge opportunity to stride into a cup semi-final, this bout of ailments has come at a frustrating time.

Doucoure has been their top talisman this season, with his six goals the most of any within the Everton squad.

Meanwhile, Mykolenko has proven himself one of the most improved assets under Dyche, with his steely solidity down the left flank indispensable. In fact, it was his unavailability that arguably led to a complete shift in system yesterday, instead opting for three central defenders.

These two key men take their place on the treatment table beside a few other stars, although a return to first-team training for Dele Alli and Andre Gomes will be a welcome one to offset such disappointment.

With Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young's fitness still unknown too, Dyche will have to traverse this quarter-final clash with Fulham carefully to continue his side's miraculous form.



https://www.everton.news/everton-facing-another-big-injury-worry-ahead-of-fulham-quarter-final-clash/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham now keen on £40k-a-week playmaker in January, Marco Silva thinks he's 'fantastic'
Fulham have reportedly expressed an interest in re-signing playmaker Fabio Carvalho on loan from Liverpool in January.

After leaving Craven Cottage 18 months ago at the end of his contract, the 21-year-old has had a far-from-ideal time at Anfield with the Whites continuing to improve under Marco Silva.

A report from the Mirror has shared more details about the Portuguese Under-21 international short-term future.

There are few positives to take from the time Scott Parker was in charge at Fulham.

Although he achieved promotion to the Premier League, the football was turgid and a disconnect between the fans and the club began to open up.

However, one of the key takeaways from his time in West London was the introduction of Fabio Carvalho to the first team.

The playmaker made his debut in the Premier League and even scored away to Southampton.

Under Marco Silva, Fulham's style of play was transformed and Carvalho was phenomenal in the number ten role behind Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Ten goals and seven assists in that campaign earned him a move to Liverpool after he failed to extend a contract extension with the club.

Since then, he's started just five league games in 18 months and a loan move to RB Leipzig has been a disaster.

Liverpool are in discussions about recalling Carvalho in January and a loan move back to Fulham could be on the cards.

The Whites are competing to finish in the top ten right now and adding some more depth to the squad would be no bad thing.

There's already an understanding with the home fans that Carvalho at his best is a phenomenal player, but the club can't afford to spend time trying to help another club's player find some much-needed form.

Fulham interested in Carvalho reunion in January
The report from the Mirror suggests Liverpool want to send Carvalho out on another loan where he'll get regular minutes.

They went on to say that sources close to the player believe he's keen on a move back to the Cottage and that there's been interest from Fulham's side too.

The £40,000-a-week attacking midfielder already has a big fan at Fulham in the form of Marco Silva.

After one match during the promotion season, the Portuguese said: "Carvalho was fantastic. It is something he has been doing since pre-season.

"He started well against Boro, but it is not just him. I see the team playing better achieving better things and becoming more confident and consistent.

"But he was fantastic in the second half, he was fresh, and it wasn't just with the ball as well, he did everything we asked him to do, but he is 18 and still learning as a player.

"It is up to me to give him the right information and important for him to keep his feet on the floor as it is a long journey for him."

Ultimately, I'm not sure a move for Carvalho is something Fulham should pursue in January.

Andreas Pereira is rediscovering his form in that role, while Alex Iwobi is equally effective in that role if the Brazilian is unavailable.

If Fulham are going to play any youngster in that position right now it should be Luke Harris if he doesn't leave on loan this winter.

Developing Liverpool's players can't be on Silva's agenda even if there's already a connection between Carvalho and the club.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/12/17/fulham-now-keen-on-40k-a-week-playmaker-in-january-marco-silva-thinks-hes-fantastic/

[WhiteJC]

Danjuma And Gueye To Start | 4-4-1-1 Everton Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham
4-4-1-1 Everton Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham ahead of their exciting EFL Cup contest at Goodison Park this Tuesday night.

Everton will welcome Fulham at Goodison Park this Tuesday night as they try to earn a win in the quarter-final stage of the EFL Cup. The Toffees managed to secure an impressive 2-0 win away at Burnley recently which should give them a ton of confidence ahead of this game.

Sean Dyche will set his side up in a 4-4-1-1 formation and is expected to name a strong first XI for this cup clash. Arnaut Danjuma and Idrissa Gueye could both get a chance to impress from the start of this game.

4-4-1-1 Everton Predicted Lineup To Face Fulham

Defence
Jordan Pickford will feature in between the sticks for the Toffees after securing a clean sheet in his last outing. Jarrad Branthwaite will function alongside James Tarkowski at the centre of the Everton backline as they try to keep things solid at the back during the game.

Nathan Patterson will fill in as the right-back while Vitaliy Mykolenko hopes to catch the eye on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will get the license to get forward and join in on the attack at every chance they get.

Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey will be available for selection on the bench as they offer cover for the defensive positions.

Midfield
Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye will anchor the midfield for the Merseyside club as they focus on winning the 50-50 duels at the centre of the park. Dwight McNeil could get an opportunity to give a good account of himself on the left flank. Jack Harrison would try to put his pace to good use on the right wing.

Arnaut Danjuma will get the freedom to express himself in the number ten position. He has to find a way to offer some decent service to Dominic Calvert-Lewin up top.

Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Garner will be rested on the bench as they wait for their chance to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if needed.

Attack
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will lead the line for the Merseyside club in the final third. He has to find a way to cause a few problems for the Fulham defenders this week.

Beto will have to settle for a spot on the bench and might come on to influence the game in the latter stages if Everton are in need of a goal by then.

https://the4thofficial.net/2023/12/4-4-1-1-everton-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea cool interest in Joao Palhinha amid Manchester City links

Chelsea might abandon their reported pursuit of Joao Palhinha as Mauricio Pochettino is not too keen to strengthen his midfield.

According to The Daily Star, Chelsea are set to cool their interest in Joao Palhinha with Mauricio Pochettino not interested in another midfielder. Manchester City are also keen on the 28-year-old, as Fulham might demand a hefty fee to sell the Portuguese star.

Joao Palhinha emerged on the radars of all the top clubs in the Premier League ahead of the January window. The 28-year-old narrowly missed out on a move to Bayern Munich, and despite signing a new deal with Fulham afterwards, he might still depart next month.

The report points towards a potential £50 million fee that Fulham might demand and places Manchester City as the frontrunner. Pep Guardiola's side are reportedly interested and may have chosen to pursue the 28-year-old after switching their attention from Lucas Paqueta.

Man City are likely to allow Kalvin Phillips to leave and could bring in another defensive midfielder in place. Their interest in Palhinha might stem from an immediate need to shore up the position after some questionable displays.

While Manchester City are seemingly ahead, Chelsea, who also held an interest in Palhinha, might drop out of the race. The Blues have spent north of £250 million on midfielders since last January, meaning they do not specifically need a new one on priority.

Palhinha's entourage have touched base with Chelsea, and at one stage, it appeared the club might make an effort. Mauricio Pochettino has prioritised other areas of the squad in January ahead of signing new midfielders.

Chelsea will have Romeo Lavia returning soon, while the likes of Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwue will also be in the mix later on. The Blues probably need more attacking reinforcements, particularly a new striker, to lead their line.

As for Palhinha, he will have offers on the table the way things are moving. Arsenal and Liverpool have also shown interest, while Bayern Munich might return with another offer in January. For now, Manchester City are seemingly leading the chase, with Chelsea looking to bow out.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/12/18/chelsea-cool-interest-in-joao-palhinha-amid-manchester-city-links/

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal ready to sell Thomas Partey in January to sign Joao Palhinha

Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell Thomas Partey and replace him with Fulham's Joao Palhinha in the January window.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal ponder selling Thomas Partey in January and replace the midfielder with Joao Palhinha. The Gunners are not overly convinced of the idea as things stand, but they are willing to explore such an avenue to shore up their midfield.

Arsenal are reportedly keen to sign a new defensive midfielder that allows Mikel Arteta to have different options. At the start of the season, the Gunners may not have planned on shoring up their midfield in January, but circumstances continue to lead them towards such an outcome.

Thomas Partey's injury problems have had a significant effect on their thinking. Douglas Luiz and even Martin Zubimendi appear out of reach for different reasons, but lately, Arsenal have seen links to Joao Palhinha.

Partey has missed most of the season so far but continues to make progress in the background to return to fitness. The Ghanaian will probably make the matchday squad soon, but there are questions about his long-term future.

The Arsenal man will enter the final 18 months of his deal in January, with the report suggesting the Gunners might cash in. There are Saudi clubs interested in Partey, with Juventus also keeping close tabs on his situation.

The report further points towards Joao Palhinha as the possible replacement for the Ghanaian. The 28-year-old Premier League ace came close to joining Bayern Munich in the summer. Despite suggestions the Bavarians might return with another offer, they are looking at different ideas.

Arsenal may well have a shot at Palhinha, who also has Manchester City chasing his signature. Liverpool and Chelsea have also shown interest recently. If the Gunners enter the race, then they might have to square it up with Pep Guardiuola's side once again for a midfielder.

As for Partey, he's still considered important by Arteta, who will want to see his progress from the latest injury. He will hope the Ghanaian can stay fit, and on preference, he would want him over any other player in that Arsenal midfield alongside Declan Rice.

If there are more problems with his fitness, then Arsenal may not waste too much time in securing reinforcements. Palhinha seems like a fantastic option. Whether the Gunners have the required funds to secure such a significant transfer remains the question.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/12/18/arsenal-ready-to-sell-thomas-partey-in-january-to-sign-joao-palhinha/

[WhiteJC]

Everton could make two changes for Fulham with key players returning and new injury concern
An overview of Sean Dyche's options for the visit of Fulham as Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye return but questions remain over the availability of other players

Nathan Patterson should get an opportunity to build on his solid display at Burnley with a start against Fulham.

Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman, who have both also started at right back this season, missed the win at Turf Moor through injury and it is unclear whether either could be back for Tuesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final.

That may be one of the easier decisions for Sean Dyche, who will be boosted for the match by the return of at least two key players.

Dyche was forced to make four changes to his starting line-up at Burnley, and to change formation as well. Young, Coleman and Vitalii Mykolenko were absent through injury and Jarrad Branthwaite and Idrissa Gueye were serving one match suspensions after each picking up five yellow cards. Abdoulaye Doucoure was pulled off at half time after feeling a "tightness" in his hamstring.

What options will be available for Dyche are currently unclear. Mykolenko and Doucoure were each described as "touch and go" as Everton look to beat a Fulham side that has won at Goodison Park twice already in 2023. Should Doucoure be injured, Gueye will be the obvious replacement. Branthwaite will be an option at the back and so could return for one of Ben Godfrey or Michael Keane. Both were excellent at Burnley.

Godfrey also offers an option at left back if Dyche wishes to return to a back four and push Dwight McNeil further forward. The match could also represent an opportunity for Beto and Arnaut Danjuma, who have both had minutes limited due to the form of those in front of them. Dyche is planning to name a strong side for the match but may see Fulham as opportunity to give Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jack Harrison or Dwight McNeil a break.

One player Everton will not have to contend with is Fulham striker Raul Jimenez. The forward hit the post at Goodison earlier this season and has found form in a series of recent impressive results but was sent off in his club's defeat at Newcastle United at the weekend.



https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-could-make-two-changes-28307215

[Bill2]

This is really shameful – Just how many ready to humiliate themselves on Raul Jimenez red card
The Raul Jimenez red card at St James' Park has provoked plenty of debate.

The Fulham striker sent off following a challenge on Sean Longstaff.

This incident happening towards the midway point of the first half, Newcastle United going on to deservedly win 3-0.

I have to say, this is really shameful, just how many ready to humiliate themselves on the Raul Jimenez red card decision.

If you haven't seen the incident yet, you need to, the highlights of the match below, leading off with the red card challenge / assault.

Basically, Raul Jimenez angry because he hadn't got a decision against Jamaal Lascelles, where the United captain had caught him on the face when winning the ball, a challenge that sometimes would bring a free-lick, sometimes not. Possibly even a yellow card if the referee deemed it a foul. Anyway, Raul Jimenez writhing around on the ground holding his face, until that is he realised the referee wasn't giving anything, then of course leaping to his feet and sprinting around, clearly looking to make his mark, some kind of retribution.

Newcastle United had carried on an attack and when Fulham cleared it to wards the East Stand side of the pitch, Sean Longstaff taking possession in a non-dangerous position, then out of nowhere, Raul Jimenez running full pelt and launching himself as he ran into the air with his studs leading, only to seemingly realise too late just how ridiculous this challenge / assault was, so twisting his body in midair and his body rather than boot connecting with Longstaff's head and flattening him.

The referee initially giving a yellow card, only for VAR to then ask him to look again, with then the correct decision of a red card belatedly given.

Marco Silva declared after the match, during a long rant about how the referee had unfairly treated Fulham throughout...

"The way he [Raul Jimenez] jumped into the player, it's not a serious tackle, it's not something really serious like a red card.

"I think the [yellow card] decision from the referee probably was the most assertive one. But, again, the VAR wanted to decide something different.

The acid test with anything like this is always to ask the question, what would the Fulham manager have been saying if the roles had been reversed, if it had been Sean Longstaff challenging / assaulting Raul Jimenez in similar fashion?

Well. we all know the answer to that one, don't we!

Never in a million years would Marco Silva have been saying anything other than Sean Longstaff, or whichever Newcastle player, absolutely deserved a red card for this type of challenge.

This would have been exactly the case as well where pundits, journalists, rival fans are concerned, if it had been a Newcastle United player making the challenge.

However, as we all know, these days so many people are ready to humiliate / shame themselves by saying things they absolutely know are untrue, just because it is Newcastle United. As it was an assault / challenge on an NUFC player, then countless individuals desperately trying to back up Marco Silva's delusional take on it.

The Raul Jimenez challenge was ridiculous, it was so reckless and negligent, it is a red card in any football match. Once he launched himself at pace into the air like that, it is only going to be pure luck if the victim walks away from without a potentially serious injury.

The Fulham striker had clearly lost it, he was on a mission to hit back after his own perceived injustice, he was out of control and made the type of challenge that no football player would ever make if it wasn't for the red mist affecting him. Nobody challenges for the ball like that, it was always going to end badly, certainly for Raul Jimenez, and potentially very very badly for Sean Longstaff, once Jimenez ended his sprint with that take-off.

With most other incidents you can claim it was badly timed, accidental, or whatever. However, doing something so extraordinary as this, so reckless and negligent as to whether somebody gets hurt or not, you are guilty regardless of the eventual outcome, whether somebody does end up hurt or not.

It is a bit like parking your car on a steep hill, getting out and letting the handbrake off, then claiming you should escape any punishment simply because through pure luck nobody got seriously injured.

The thing that Marco Silva clings to, is that the referee only initially gave a yellow card.

It is ironic that the Fulham boss goes on and on about how such an inexperienced referee handled so much of the match so badly and made so many poor decisions, then congratulates him for the one decision the referee made that was truly appalling.

I think this inexperienced referee totally bottled the decision AND at same time did what referees do so often these days. They consciously decide NOT to make the right call because it would have a massive impact on a match, with the knowledge that they have the VAR safety net to save them. A bit like having your penalty saved BUT having a guarantee that you will still have a tap-in if that proves to be the case.

Samuel Barrott, if watching this Newcastle v Fulham match instead of refereeing it, would have 100 times out of 100 called it a red card for Raul Jimenez.

As I said earlier on, Marco Silva knows fine well that this was always a red card offence. Get him wired up to a lie detector test, along with any zero integrity journalists and pundits who are claiming the same as the Fulham boss. The readings would be off the scale!

Stats via BBC Sport:

Newcastle 3 Fulham 0 – Saturday 16 December 3pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Miley 57, Almiron 64, Burn 82

Fulham:

Jimenez 22 Red card

Possession was Fulham 29% Newcastle 71%

Total shots were Fulham 6 Newcastle 27

Shots on target were Fulham 4 Newcastle 10

Corners were Fulham 1 Newcastle 5

Referee: Samuel Barrott

Attendance: 52,055 (Approx 1,200 Fulham)

Newcastle team v Fulham:

Dubravka, Livramento (ritchie 84), Lascelles, Schar (Krafth 14), Burn (Botman 84), Bruno, Longstaff, Joelinton (Lewis Miley 36), Almiron, Gordon (Hall 84), Wilson

Unused subs:

Karius, Dummett, Gillespie, Alex Murphy

(Official Newcastle United injury update – Follows Newcastle 3 Fulham 0 – Read HERE)

(Marco Silva blames the referee for Newcastle 3 Fulham 0 – You have to laugh! Read HERE)

(It was definitely everything I ever dreamt of – Lewis Miley living the... dream – Read HERE)

(Read Newcastle 3 Fulham 0 – Instant Newcastle United fan / writer reaction – read HERE)

Newcastle United confirmed matches to end of January 2024:

Tuesday 19 December 2023 – Chelsea v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 23 December 2023 – Luton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 26 December 2023 – Newcastle v Forest (12.30pm) Amazon

Monday 1 January 2024 – Liverpool v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 6 January 2024 – Sunderland v Newcastle (12.45pm) ITV

Saturday 13 January 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (5.30pm) TNT Sports

Tuesday 30 January 2024 – Aston Villa v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports




https://www.themag.co.uk/2023/12/this-is-really-shameful-just-how-many-ready-to-humiliate-themselves-on-raul-jimenez-red-card/

What a load of biased rubbish.