Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 20/12/23...

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Cup Results

Tuesday 19/12
Everton	1(6) - 1(7)	Fulham
Chelsea	1(4) - 1(2)	Newcastle
Port Vale	0 - 3	Middlesborough

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Everton 1-1 Fulham
Fulham win 7-6 on penalties

Tosin Adarabioyo scored the winning penalty for Fulham

Marco Silva hailed "special player" Tosin Adarabioyo after the defender scored the winning spot-kick as Fulham beat Everton on penalties to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time.

Centre-back Tosin stepped up in sudden death, after Idrissa Gueye struck the post, and rolled home to send the Cottagers through to a first domestic semi-final in 22 seasons.

Silva's men had a smash-and-grab win at Goodison Park in the opening game of the season and they went home to London victorious once again.

"He is a key player for us, one of the leaders in our dressing room and we need them to step in," said Fulham boss Silva.

"He didn't play the first three months of the season, but he is a special player for us. He can defend the box and on the ball he builds the way I want him to.

"He is getting better and better and a great performance tonight. To be able to take the decisive penalty, he deserves all the credit."

The opener came four minutes before half-time and went down as a Michael Keane own goal, with the Everton defender diverting the ball into his own net from Antonee Robinson's cross.

The hosts could have hit back immediately but James Tarkowski was unable to get enough of a firm connection on James Garner's free-kick and flicked his headed effort narrowly off target.

Everton searched for an equaliser in the second period and Jack Harrison fizzed a long-range drive just wide before substitute Beto headed in from close range with nine minutes remaining.

The game went to penalties, with Bobby De Cordova-Reid seeing his effort saved by Jordan Pickford and Amadou Onana's having a weak effort kept out by Bernd Leno, before Tosin sent the travelling fans into raptures.

The draw for the semi-finals takes place on Wednesday, with the first leg of those ties being played in the week commencing 8 January.

Fulham march on
Fulham have never won a major trophy, but perhaps this could be their time. They reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2002 when they were knocked out by Chelsea, who are among the teams still left in this competition.

Silva's players battled through the contest with Everton and had only one shot on target, which came in the sixth minute when former Toffee Alex Iwobi's caressed shot was batted out by Pickford.

Former Everton manager Silva said of the hard-fought win: "We are all delighted, no doubt about it. Our aim was clear, to come here and go through. We did it, we knew it would be tough.

"A proper cup tie, but the players kept their composure in the penalty shootout. We achieved something that the club never did in the past."

Keane went from hero to villain, netting an own goal to follow his man-of-the-match performance in Saturday's 2-0 victory at Burnley.

It looked like the hosts were heading out in normal time, but Beto nodded home for the leveller and Arnaut Danjuma could have won it in injury time but sent his sweetly struck volley wide.

Everton had been the better side for much of the encounter - Jarrad Branthwaite, deployed at left-back in the absence of Vitaliy Mykolenko, headed straight at Leno and Dwight McNeil fired over from an acute angle.

But Sean Dyche will be left wondering what might have been on his first appearance in the quarter-finals of this competition as a manager. He watched on as Onana's weak spot-kick to win it was kept out by Fulham's German goalkeeper before Tosin sent the visiting side through.

Despite their 10-point deduction, Everton have been in impressive form in the Premier League, winning their last four games to climb up the table, so this exit will be seen as a missed opportunity to end their long wait for silverware which stretches back to lifting the FA Cup back in 1995.

Dyche said: "It is one of them things, penalties have to be decided some way. I thought the performance was another strong one but we didn't find the true moments of quality in the very end of lots of good moves and getting into good positions.

"If you are brave enough to get up there and take one, you are brave enough to take the consequences. We practise them, they practise them, [coach] Steve Stone did a good job getting it all organised so you do everything you can.

"It is a cup competition. We took the game on, tried everything to take the game. Similar to how we played them in the league, dominated and couldn't find the killer moments. The stadium was great, the fans and everyone took the knocks and got on with it."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67688634

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Post-Everton Press Conference
Marco Silva was thrilled with his players after they made history in taking Fulham to a first ever Carabao Cup Semi-Final.

On a tense evening at Goodison Park, the Whites triumphed 7-6 on penalties after drawing 1-1 in normal time.

"We are all delighted, no doubt about it," he said. "It was clearly our aim to come here and to go through in the competition, and we did it.

"We knew before the match that it is going to be really tough, a proper cup tie. I know what it means to play here at Goodison when they are in a good moment, when they are in good form, when everybody's on the same page, and we felt that tonight.

"Our second half was more difficult, I have to say. In the first half we kept the ball more and we played more in our way, we had the capacity to keep some possession, to calm down the game, to not let the game go always in their physicality.

"I felt the home support always there and I know how they can lift them every time in the moments that they can be struggling in the game. Even after we scored the 1-0, the support was always there.

"Second half we struggled a little bit, we were not able to keep the ball, we gave the ball away many times, and of course they sustained the pressure.

"I believe that we defended our box well until they equalised in a moment when we were really under pressure, a moment when I was preparing a tactical change.

"I really believe that after the 1-1, when we changed the system to five at the back, we started to control a little bit more. The game started to be a bit broken – chances for us and for them.

"The last 10 minutes was really tense. And, as I said, a proper cup tie."

Everton initially had the advantage in the penalty shootout when Jordan Pickford denied Bobby De Cordova-Reid, but Bernd Leno then saved from Amadou Onana, before Idrissa Gueye struck a post.

"I have to mention, in a tense evening, the way our players kept the composure in that penalty shootout," Silva stated. "It's always a really tough moment when you play away from home.

"Huge moment from Bernd when he kept us in the game with the fifth penalty from Onana. I'm really delighted because it's not easy to keep the composure, the quality in the penalty shootout like we did.

"Congratulations for the players, for the fans that were here tonight. We achieved something that the Club never, never, never did in the past.

"We want more, but we are really delighted for the moment that we are living right now, but we want more. Now we are going to play the Semi-Finals, with the dream to go and play at Wembley."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/december/19/post-everton-press-conference/

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Everton fans irate with Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno amid incidents at Goodison Park - BBC journalist
Fulham's Bernd Leno was at the centre of attention at Goodison Park on Tuesday night as his timewasting antics continued to frustrate Everton fans.

The German goalkeeper took his time on goal kicks on several occasions, with Fulham holding a 1-0 lead thanks to an own goal from Michael Keane late in the first half. Everton later equalised before the away side won on penalties.

It was very apparent that Leno was wasting time, with BBC Sport journalist picking up on the resentment growing towards him throughout the EFL Cup tie.

"The home fans are starting to get irate at how long Bernd Leno is taking at goal kicks," he wrote for BBC Sport on Tuesday (19 December, 9:00pm).

"Won't be long before referee Graham Scott comes over to have a word."

No surprise
It comes as no surprise to hear Leno wasting time, and Everton fans shouting abuse at him for it. Fulham were ahead at the break despite their goal coming completely against the run of play.

In the first half, Everton's five shots were four more than Fulham's one shot, showing how much more dominant the Toffees were, but also how they needed to be more clinical in front of goal.

Dwight McNeil had a golden opportunity to open the scoring before the Cottagers capitalised but were made to wait until the 82nd minute to equalise through Beto.

Leno began timewasting early in the match, which made it all the more sweet when Beto netted the equaliser with just eight minutes left to play. For those of you who do not believe in karma, there is your evidence.

Timewasting during the first half normally means that there is a lack of belief that a team can keep a clean sheet. And Leno was correct, and Everton finally got the breakthrough they deserved.



https://www.goodisonnews.com/2023/12/19/everton-fans-irate-with-fulham-goalkeeper-bernd-leno-amid-incidents-at-goodison-park-bbc-journalist/

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Everton 1-1 Fulham (pens 6-7): Tosin Adarabioyo the penalty hero to seal Carabao Cup semi-final spot
The defender settled a nervy sudden-death shootout to seal a last-four spot

Fulham reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history as Tosin Adarabioyo's spot-kick saw them beat Everton 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

Marco Silva returned to the ground he used to call home and masterminded a victory, albeit one far nervier than perhaps expected after Michael Keane's own goal had given them a first-half lead.

Instead, substitute Beto levelled for Everton with eight minutes to go. Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye missed from the spot, before Adarabioyo slotted Fulham into their maiden League Cup semi-final.

Fulham had the lion's share of possession in the early stages, yet it was Everton who were using the ball with more purpose.

As the first 45 progressed, half-chances came and went for the Toffees. A little too desperate to get themselves going, Fulham were rushing their counter-attacks, pumping the ball up for Rodrigo Muniz, who cannot hold the ball up as effectively as the suspended Raul Jimenez.

Dwight McNeil hammered over with the game's first opening of note, and Everton were soon back for more when Jack Harrison's in-swinging cross found the late-arriving Jarrad Branthwaite, whose header found Bernd Leno's gloves.

Silva was showing visible frustration at Muniz's inability to keep the ball, but soon Michael Keane poleaxed Muniz and the Brazilian's performance took a sharp upward turn.

Willian delicately placed the resulting free-kick along the ground but inches wide. Within two minutes, Muniz's control had brought Fulham the lead. He spread for Willian, who played in the overlapping Antonee Robinson, and from the American's cross, a cruel deflection off Keane found the net.

Fulham and their pocket of away supporters in the Bullens Stand knew the potential importance of the goal. Four minutes before the break was no bad time to edge in front.

The match had sprung to life in the final minutes of the first half, and after the interval it opened up even more. Jack Harrison whizzed a shot from distance just wide of the mark at one end, before Harry Wilson's speculative and spectacular volley hurtled over the bar at the other.

A clash of heads with Nathan Patterson saw Willian substituted through precaution with a head injury, and his exit coincided with 20 minutes of intense and untenable pressure by the hosts.

Eventually, Sean Dyche's side asked Fulham a question to which they could not muster an answer. Garner's scuffed shot bounced for substitute Beto, who nodded his third Everton goal past Leno — motionless and helpless.

An end-to-end final ten minutes ensued, both sides patently aware penalties rather than extra time loomed.

Amadou Onana fluffed the chance to win it for Everton by missing after Bobby Cordova-Reid had. Instead, Idrissa Gueye hit the post at 6-6, and Adarabioyo took his chance to keep Fulham's dreams of silverware alive.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/everton-fc-vs-fulham-carabao-cup-penalty-shootout-adarabioyo-b1128107.html

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 Everton 1-1 Fulham (6-7 pens): Marco Silva's men book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with dramatic penalty shootout win... after Beto cancelled out Michael Keane's first-half own-goal

    Everton and Fulham's clash had to be decided via a penalty shootout on Tuesday
    Tosin Adarabioyo scored the crucial spot-kick for the visitors on the night

Everton legend Peter Reid said at Bill Kenwright's memorial service on Monday that the greatest tribute to the former chairman would be to end their trophy drought this year. 'No pressure, Dychey,' he said, laughing. Sadly, that wait for glory goes on.

Sean Dyche has worked minor miracles in his 11 months on Merseyside and gave Everton fans hope that they could not just beat Fulham last night, but go on to win the whole competition. Yet despite a valiant effort, dreams of a trip to Wembley were perhaps one step too far.

Their first defeat of December came after a penalty shoot-out and, to rub further salt into the wounds, it was a previous occupier of the Everton hotseat who became the scrooge of Goodison, as Marco Silva's Fulham ended his old club's quest for silverware.

It was Silva's second win here this season after a 1-0 triumph in the Premier League in August. The first one came after Everton managed 19 shots but were undone by a goal against the run of play, but this defeat will hurt more.

That is mostly down to the fact the Toffees came into this match feeling formidable after a streak of four wins in a row with no goals conceded in December. But on the 19th day of Christmas, Everton's steely defence was finally breached.


Fulham secured their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals after victory on Tuesday night
 

The Cottagers tookthe lead after Michael Keane (second from the right) scored an own-goal
 

Keane was left in a heap on the ground as the Fulham players wheeled away in celebration
 

Striker Beto pulled the hosts level in the second-half but it wasn't enough for the Toffees
 

Tosin Adarabioyo scored the crucial spot-kick to earn them a place in the final four

Michael Keane inadvertently deflected the ball into his own goal on 42 minutes and it looked like Fulham were heading for a win in 90 minutes, before substitute Beto equalised eight minutes from time to force spot-kicks.

Jordan Pickford thwarted Bobby Decordova-Reid with Fulham's fourth penalty and Everton took a kick to win the tie but Amadou Onana's effort was weak and an easy save for Bernd Leno. The Cottagers scored each subsequent penalty, with Idrissa Gana Gueye striking the post.

Former Manchester City academy graduate Tosin Adarabioyo stepped up and confidently dispatched the winning penalty - well-deserved after an imperious defensive display - and then darted over to the away end to celebrate a landmark day for the club.

After winning 5-0 twice in their last three matches, this was far from Fulham's best performance in recent weeks, but it will go down as one of the most famous nights in the Cottagers' history, with them into the semi-finals of the League Cup for the first time in their history.

'We are all delighted, no doubts about it,' said Silva. 'I know what it means to play at Goodison when they are in a good moment, when everybody is on the same page, we felt that tonight. I know the support can lift them. I am delighted.'

His opposite number Dyche said: 'It is one of those things, penalties, games have to be decided somehow. The performance was another strong one. Unfortunately it doesn't pay you back. We are taking whatever comes our way, changing the team, the shape, with the right mentality.'

In a drab first half, neither team had a shot until Dwight McNeil blasted one over in the 25th minute, and Fulham did not have an attempt until the 40th minute when Willian cheekily poked a free-kick under the wall and left Pickford rooted to the spot as the effort went inches wide.

But the England No 1 was again helpless minutes later when Fulham took the lead. Everton lost the ball cheaply, stand-in striker Rodrigo Muniz fed Antonee Robinson and the American full-back's cross deflected in off Keane for an own goal.


Beto rose highest to nod home for his side in the latter moments of the second-half
 

Sean Dyche (L) and Marco Silva (R) watched on as their sides battled away on Tuesday night


Everton were well on top but Bernd Leno barely had to make a save until the 75th minute when Beto was slid through by Onana's reverse pass. Minutes later, the Portuguese equalised after a James Garner's shot hit Robinson's thigh and sat up perfectly for Beto to head home.

And so the game went to a shoot-out. Unfortunately, Onana and Gueye were the unlucky ones and Tosin left as the hero as Fulham won a League Cup quarter-final at the sixth time of asking.

'We achieved something the club has never done in the past,' added Silva. 'But we want more.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12882957/Everton-1-1-Fulham-6-7-pens-Visitors-book-place-Carabao-Cup-semi-finals-dramatic-penalty-shootout-Beto-cancelled-Michael-Keanes-half-goal.html

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Cottagers carve out Carabao semi-final spot with dramatic shoot out victory to stun Everton
Everton 1 Fulham 1

(Fulham win 7-6 on penalties)

Julian Taylor at Goodison Park

Marco Silva's return to his former club ended in drama - with Fulham prevailing in a sudden death penalty shoot out against Everton at Goodison Park to reach the Carabao Cup semi final.

The Londoners held their nerve in a tie which ebbed and flowed, although Everton can consider themselves unfortuinate on a night when they asserted themselves to a greater degree, only to fail from twelve yards out.

Fulham's season continues on an upward curve. Comfortable mid table Premier League consolidation is now in tandem with a terrific cup run. This campaign holds so much possibility for the Cottagers who continue to defy early season doubters.

Silva's men looked disciplined and organised for the bulk of a feisty tie at - until a mess of their own making when a basic failure to clear the ball helped Everton level in the 81st minute through a header by substitue Beto.

The Cottagers had gone in front earlier via an own goal by unfortunate home defender Michael Keane in the 40th minute. And it looked like that was going to be enough.

What the clash lacked in craft was at least matched by Fulham's resolve, where both Tosin - who nailed the ultimate penalty - and Calvin Bassey were superb at the back, especially in the gritty second hallf for the west Londoners.

The tie was anticipated to be free flowing and even entertaining in the build up. Fulham were content to sit back and absorb pressure for much of the contest but Everton's efforts - as frustrating as they were for the Goodison Park crowd - merited their late equaliser.

As a measure of how seriously both sides were taking the competition - as well as the fact it was a quarter-final - the respective lineups had a strong appearance to them.

Fulham travelled to Merseyside without Raul Jimenez, who was suspended due to a recklessly induced red card of the weekend defeat at Newcastle United. Harrison Reed took the captain's armband for what was expected to be a tight Mersey mission.

Notable

While SIlva made all the right diplomatic noises about returning to the stadium of his former employer, the quarter final was a chance for the Portuguese to help end Everton's recent five match unbeaten run, which has cleared them away from the relegation zone. Considering the effects of the recent ten point FFP deduction imposed on the Toffees this has been a notable feat.

There was a rather delicate start, with perhaps Fulham's early bulwark a strong reaction to their listless defending which consigned them to a 3-0 loss at Newcastle.

The first real opportunity of note arrived for Everton in the 23rd minute when Dwight McNeil fired an angled shot just over the bar. It was a decent statement of intent from the Toffees  whjich got the home fans off their seats - and a warning shot for Fulham to start asserting themselves.

Everton were building up a head of steam throughout the first half and Bernd Leno was certainly the busier of the two goalkeepers. Yet the Toffees' were hapharard for the majority of the tie.

The cautious Cottagers were content to soak up the intermittent pressure served up by Sean Dyche's outfit, where the intent was, in al probability, to hit on the counter-attack. Even that. though, requires an element of momentum which was eluding Fulham for loing spells.

Willian did go close with an impudent free kick from 20 yards which raced inches wide of Everton keeper Jordan Pickford's post.

Effect

The wait wasn't long for Fulham though - they went ahead rather fortuitously, five minutes from the break. From a racing move upfield, Willian crossed from the left, with Keane, distracted by the presence of Alex Iwobi, tucked the ball into his own net from close range. The conservtive Silva game plan was clearly taking some effect at exactly the right time.

Everton's anticipated intentsity to grab an equaliser at the start of the second half largely failed to materialise, with Dyche clearly frustrated at some of the officiating. All good news, for the Cottagers, of course, happy to allow Rodrigo Muniz to forage solo up front.

Jack Harrison did go close for the Blues, with a shot which whistled just past the post. But Everton really needed to create more havoc in the final third and make some capital.

Silva sent on Tom Cairney for Willian just after the hour mark to add some calm to the tetchy midfield battles, with Fulham being pressed into increasing rearguard action.

Desperation

Neverthe;ess, elements of desperation were slipping into Everton's approach; the Toffees simply were not driven or confident enough in and around the visitors' penalty area.

Pickford, meanwhile, turned away a fine Iwobi shot from distance which would have killed the game off.

Finally, Fulham's resistance was ended nine minutes from the end. A failure to get rid of a loose ball by Antonee Robinson resulted in the hosts spinning the ball back into the six yard area, where Beto was lurking to power in a header to level.

Naturally, the Toffees took heart amid a grandstand finish, the vocal home support increasingly amplified. However, the night was to be decided by spot kicks. Could Fulham keep their nerve, like they had done so for most of the previous ninety minutes?

Andreas Pereira, Tom Cairney, Joao Palhinha all converted from the spot - but Bobby Decordova Reid's effort was saved by Pickford.

Amadou Onana's tame penalty was saved by Leno as the drama took an extra twist, as Everton missed their big chance.

So, to sudden death - Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson converted while Idrissa Gana Gueye hit the post for Everton.

The night all came down to Tosin, who kept his cool to stroke the ball home - and Fulham's season now goes up yet another level, with Wembley in sight.

Cottagers: Leno, Tete, Bassey,Tosin, Reed (Pereira 76), Wilson (Decordova-Reid 76), Muniz (VInicius 85), Willian (Cairney 61), Iwob (Diop 85)i, Palhinha, Robinson



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/cottagers

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Tosin Adarabioyo slots home to send Fulham to the semi-final after dramatic shootout
Fulham are headed for the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup after beating Everton 7-6 on penalties.

The game itself ended 1-1 after a first-half Michael Keane own goal was cancelled out by a late Beto header.

As there was no extra time in the quarter-finals, the game went straight to penalties to decide the winner at Goodison Park.

Everton had the chance to win the shootout after Bobby De Cordova-Reid had his effort saved by Amadou Onana missed his resulting spot-kick.

With it tied up at six a piece, Idrissa Gueye missed his penalty before Adarabioyo converted his side's seventh, sending Fulham to the next round.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/12/19/tosin-adarabioyo-slots-home-to-send-fulham-to-the-semi-final-after-dramatic-shootout/

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Tosin fires Fulham into the semi-finals
Tosin Adarabioyo capped a commanding defensive performance by converting the winning penalty at Goodison Park as Fulham reached the League Cup semi-finals for the first time with a shoot-out success over Everton. Marco Silva's side looked to be heading through courtesy of a first-half own goal from Michael Keane and a resolute rearguard action until substitute Beto, a summer transfer target for the Whites, headed the hosts level with eight minutes to play.

A scrappy contest came to life during seven minutes of stoppage time with Arjun Danjuma volleying fractionally wide from eight yards before a brilliant back post intervention from Nathan Patterson prevented Bobby De Cordova-Reid from poaching the winner on the blue half of Merseyside for the second time this season. When Jordan Pickford saved from the Jamaican international in the shoot out, Amadou Onana had the chance to send the Toffees into the last four but his terrible penalty was straight at Bernd Leno. Deep into sudden death, Idrissa Gana Gueye struck the post with his effort and Tosin sent the travelling fans wild by finding the far right corner after a long wait.

Silva selected a strong line-up with Harrison Reed drafted into midfield in place of Tom Cairney as Fulham sought to win the middle battle against an Everton side, who looked a totally different proposition to the one that started the campaign having won four in a row. The visitors looked the tidier in the early stages with Rodrigo Muniz, preferred to Carlos Vinicius in the absence of Raul Jimenez, almost laying in Reed but Everton built up a head of steam midway through the first half with Dwight McNeil drilling over when he had Onana open to his right.

Jarrad Branthwaite headed into Leno's arms after reaching a deep cross from the dangerous Jack Harrison before Willian came within inches of giving Fulham the lead when his clever free-kick crept under the wall and just wide with Pickford rooted to the spot. But the visitors went ahead a minute later with the best move of the match. Muniz did magnificently to chest down a Wilson pass and shake off the attentions of James Tarkowski, quickly switching the play out to the left where Willian had Robinson rampaging outside him and the former Everton full-back's cross found its way in off the unfortunate Keane.

Fulham went in a goal to the good, despite Joe Garner's free-kick evading everyone and floating fractionally wide of the far post, and initially kept possession well – successfully riling a restless home support, Harrison hammered an effort narrowly off target from 25 yards and the introduction of Beto for Calvert-Lewin, who was superbly nullified by Adarabioyo and Calvin Bassey, pushed a disciplined defensive line deeper. Adarabioyo twice headed away the danger when the substitute looked the favourite to convert crosses, but the visitors were struggling to get out of their area.

Alex Iwobi tested Pickford's reflexes with a shot from distance but Everton came again and got their equaliser when Fulham's back line finally caved in. Adarabioyo blocked a cross from Branthwaite but Robinson failed to clear and Garner's shot spun off the American into the air, allowing Beto to head home in front of the Gwladys Street. That felt terminal for the Whites, but Silva's side had already shown no signs of stagefright in beating Spurs on spot-kicks in the second round of this competition – and, thanks to Adarabioyo's nerveless penalty, they made more history here this evening.

EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Pickford, Patterson, Branthwaite, Keane, Tarkowski; Onana, Garner, Gueye, Harrison (Danjuma 72), McNeil; Calvert-Lewin (Beto 61). Subs (not used): Lonergan, Virgínia, Godfrey, Metcalfe, Hunt, Dobbin, Chermiti.

BOOKED: Keane, Patterson.

GOAL: Beto (82).

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Bassey; Palhinha, Reed (Pereira 77); Willian (Cairney 62), Wilson (De Cordova-Reid 77), Iwobi (Diop 87); Muniz (Vinicius 87). Subs (not used): Rodak, Castagne, Ballo-Toure, Lukic.

BOOKED: Tete, Leno.

GOAL: Keane (o.g. 41).

REFEREE: Graham Scott (Oxfordshire).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/tosin-fires-fulham-into-the-semi-finals/

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Chelsea and Fulham win on penalties to reach EFL Cup semi-finals
Chelsea come from behind late on to beat Newcastle, while Fulham go into last four for first time

Chelsea battled past Newcastle United to reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser before winning on penalties, while Fulham are into the final four of the competition for the first time ever after winning their own shootout against Everton.

Callum Wilson capitalised on a horrible defensive error from Benoit Badiashile to give Newcastle an early lead against Chelsea, but Kieran Trippier repaid the favour at the death to gift Mykhailo Mudryk a dramatic leveller in a 1-1 draw.

Trippier's nightmare continued as he missed his penalty in the shootout, and Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who was making only his second start for the club, then saved Matt Ritchie's spot-kick to give the Blues a 4-2 victory.

    GET IN!!!!!!! #CFC | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/Xg429SzCo6
    — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 19, 2023

Meanwhile, Fulham also drew 1-1 before winning on penalties.

After taking the lead through a Michael Keane own goal, the Cottagers conceded a late equaliser scored by Beto, but they triumphed 7-6 in an enthralling shootout, with defender Tosin Adarabioyo scoring the winner.

How Chelsea v Newcastle unfolded
Conor Gallagher was inches away from giving Chelsea a seventh-minute lead, hitting the crossbar from outside the box. But the Blues then shot themselves in the foot with a catalogue of errors in the 15th minute.

A loose pass went to Wilson, whose chances of scoring still seemed slim as he embarked on a solo run from his own half against two centre-backs in Thiago Silva and Badiashile.

But the Newcastle striker was able to bundle his way past Thiago Silva and, while Badiashile got himself between Wilson and the ball in the box, the Frenchman then lost the ball between his own legs and gifted his opponent a 46th Newcastle goal in his 100th appearance for the club.

The goal came against the run of play, and Chelsea were on top for the rest of the match, just trying to find a killer touch.

Raheem Sterling's low effort from the left side of the box went narrowly wide of the far post, and a minute later his goalbound strike 10 yards out was blocked on the line by Bruno Guimaraes.

Newcastle suffered yet another injury blow as Anthony Gordon limped off in the 51st minute, and then survived scares as Nicolas Jackson shot just wide and Martin Dubravka got down to save Sterling's low shot.

Mauricio Pochettino turned to Christopher Nkunku, introducing the Frenchman for his Chelsea debut, but it took a defensive error for his side to get their late equaliser.

In the second minute of stoppage time, an awkward right-wing cross bounced up above Trippier beyond the far post, and his attempt to head the ball back to Dubravka lacked power, allowing Mudryk to steal in and finish into the bottom-right corner.

It put extra pressure on Trippier's shoulders when he stepped up to take Newcastle's second penalty, and he fired wide of the left post. Chelsea went 4-2 up in the shootout, meaning Ritchie had to convert for Newcastle, but Petrovic dived to his left to save and send the Blues into the semi-finals.

How Everton v Fulham unfolded
Chances were at a premium in the first half, but Fulham took the lead in the 41st minute as Antonee Robinson's cross hit Keane and deflected into the net for an own goal.

Fulham lost the influential Willian to a head injury shortly after the hour-mark. And, although they nearly went 2-0 up as Alex Iwobi was denied by Jordan Pickford, they conceded an equaliser in the 82nd minute.

James Garner scuffed his shot but it bounced up nicely for substitute Beto, who headed in at close range.

As the tie went to penalties, Amadou Onana had the chance to make it 5-3 and secure victory for Everton, but Bernd Leno saved. Then, at 6-6, Idrissa Gueye hit the post and Tosin kept his cool to find the bottom-right corner, securing a piece of history for Fulham.



Liverpool host West Ham United in another all-Premier League tie on Wednesday, and one of the top flight's semi-finalists will face Championship side Middlesbrough in the last four, after they beat League One side Port Vale 3-0.

The semi-final draw will take place after Liverpool face West Ham.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3829524

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Everton 1-1 Fulham (6-7 PENS): Cottagers halt resurgent Toffees and reach their first Carabao Cup semi
Fulham skipper Tosin Adarabioyo netted the winning penalty in the shoot-out against Everton which sent the club into their first Carabao Cup semi-final.

The Toffees' hero from their second-round comeback victory at Doncaster, summer signing Beto came off the bench to score a late equaliser after Michael Keane's own goal. Yet in sudden death in the spot-kicks, Idrissa Gana Gueye hit the post and Adarabioyo scored to send the Cottagers through 7-6.

It was the fourth time in the last six seasons Everton had exited the competition on penalties and brought to an end their impressive four-match winning run as their hopes of a first semi-final appearance in seven years were dashed in heartbreaking fashion.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's save from Bobby De Cordova-Reid in front of the Gwladys Street gave Amadou Onana the chance to win it with their fifth and final penalty in regulation but the Belgium international, who had been relatively ineffective all game, chose placement over power and placed the ball too close to Bernd Leno.

Fulham's victory also saw them become the first club to win at Goodison Park three times in a calendar year, while their former Toffees boss Marco Silva, who reached the FA Cup quarter-finals last season, returned to haunt his old club once again.

However, in truth there was no masterplan involved in the victory as the 41st-minute lead they took came without them even having a shot on target – they had to wait until midway through the second half for that solitary effort – courtesy of Keane.

Everton were not much better, with just two on target themselves but one of those was crucially their £26million summer signing's 82nd-minute equaliser, only his third goal for the club.

It may have been a quarter-final but it had all the appearances of a game neither side really wanted at an already busy time, with Sean Dyche's side heading to Tottenham and Fulham hosting Burnley at the weekend.

Everton's two changes by no means weakened them, with centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, albeit slotting on the left of defence, and midfielder Gueye both returning from suspension.

However, the limitations of playing a right-footed centre-back on the left were abundantly clear when Branthwaite was released by Dwight McNeil but ballooned his cross over the danger area.

McNeil should have hit the target with his angled shot, while Branthwaite's stumbling header proved too easy for Leno and, as often has been the case at home this season, Everton paid for it.

Antonee Robinson's overlap down the left saw him collect a pass from Willian, who had just drilled a low free-kick under the wall and wide, and beat Nathan Patterson with his cross but, unfortunately for Everton, not Keane who deflected it past Pickford.

Early in the second half, Jack Harrison drove narrowly wide before Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who with James Garner in the advanced midfield role but not quite advanced enough had cut an isolated figure, was replaced by Beto whose physicality presented more of a challenge.



https://www.football365.com/news/report-everton-1-1-fulham-6-7-pens-cottagers-halt-resurgent-toffees-reach-first-carabao-cup-semi

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Fulham: Marco Silva explains why did not want a penalty shootout in Carabao Cup win over Everton
Fulham on Tuesday held their nerve to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history

Marco Silva hailed Fulham's historic Carabao Cup quarter-final win over Everton, but admitted he would rather his side had prevailed in normal time despite the drama of their penalty shootout victory.

After an own-goal by Michael Keane and an Everton equaliser through Beto, the match went to penalties at Goodison Park on Tuesday night.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye missed in the shootout, before Tosin Adarabioyo slotted home the winner for Fulham, who reached their first-ever League Cup semi-final.

"We are all delighted," said Silva. "It was clear our aim: to come here and to go through in the competition. We did it. I know what it means to go to Goodison when they are in a good moment, when they are in good form, and when everybody is on the same page.

"Congratulations to the players and the fans who were here tonight. We achieved something the club never did in the past, and we want more. We like the moment we are living right now, but we want more, with our dream to go to Wembley."

"Not at all", he replied, when asked whether the elation after a penalty shootout win is preferable to victory in normal time. "It's better if we don't concede the goal. It made it a little bit more tense. Would I prefer to not concede a goal? Of course. Everton were putting us under pressure in that moment and they scored to equalise the game, but what I really liked was that way we reacted after that, the composure that we kept."

Fulham began this cup run with a penalty victory over then-Premier League leaders Tottenham back in August, and Silva said hard work is behind Fulham's success on spot-kicks.

"Many people talk about luck. For me, it's not at all. We have to have a good goalkeeper in the right moment to step in. Everton had that in our fourth penalty for Bobby Reid, and Bobby is one of the best takers that we have. Normally he's very good. Good save from Jordan [Pickford], Bernd did the same. And, of course, you have to have good takers who can keep their composure. We did it. From Andreas until the decisive one from Tosin.

"It shows the players we are really in the right direction. My ambition is always more and more. We want always more.

"We are in a very good moment. Everton won their last four Premier League games, four clean-sheets as well. We came here, we scored. Their home form has been really good and we were able to go through in this competition. We have to be delighted."

Middlesbrough and Chelsea joined Fulham in the semi-finals on Tuesday night, while Liverpool and West Ham will face off at Anfield on Wednesday in a bid to secure the final spot.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/marco-silva-fulham-fc-everton-fulham-carabao-cup-b1128100.html

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Everton 1-1 Fulham (6-7 on pens)

Fulham became League Cup Semi-Finalists for the first time in our history after a dramatic penalty shootout victory at Goodison Park.

A lowkey 90 minutes saw the Whites take the lead late in the first half when Michael Keane put into his own net, but Everton took it to penalties after Beto's 82nd minute equaliser.

The standard of spot-kicks was high, with only three out of 16 takers missing – Tosin rolling home the decisive kick to book our place in the final four of the Carabao Cup.

Marco Silva named a strong starting XI, bringing the well-again Calvin Bassey in along with Harrison Reed – who led the team out as captain for the first time – Kenny Tete, Willian, and Rodrigo Muniz.

Pre-match predictions suggested this could be a close contest, and the fact that nobody was able to fashion a shooting chance until 24 minutes in further strengthened that argument. When it did arrive, Dwight McNeil blasted over on the angle following good hold up play from Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Fulham had to wait until five minutes before the break for our first sight of goal. After Keane clattered Muniz 20 yards out, Willian put a clever free-kick along the ground but a couple of inches wide of the near post.

It was close to being the opener, and that galvanised the team, who did make the breakthrough moments later. Antonee Robinson got around his man down the left, and Keane could only divert beyond Pickford under pressure from his former teammate Alex Iwobi.

It was the first time in five matches that Everton had conceded a goal.

The second half began as evenly as the first, albeit with more goalmouth action, with Jack Harrison and Harry Wilson firing off target at either end.

You never know what routine the boys are going to try when we get a corner, and a new one midway through the half saw Iwobi receive the ball following a couple of passes and draw a sprawling stop from Pickford as he took aim from distance.

The Whites were hardly troubled in the second period, and so it was frustrating when the home side took advantage of a scramble in the box to equalise the game when Beto nodded in from close range.

After Arnaut Danjuma volleyed wide, Fulham showed the greater attacking intent in the seven minutes of stoppage time, but were unable to create that one golden opening, meaning a penalty shootout would decide who progressed to the Semi-Finals.

After Beto, Andreas Pereira, Dwight McNeil, Tom Cairney, Keane, João Palhinha and Danjuma had all dispatched flawless efforts, it was advantage Everton when Pickford denied Bobby De Cordova-Reid.

Thankfully Bernd Leno responded immediately when he kept out Amadou Onana, with Carlos Vinicius then levelling the score. James Tarkowski, Kenny Tete, James Garner and Antonee Robinson all converted, but Idrissa Gueye smacked his shot against the post to give Fulham control.

There was a lot of pressure on Tosin – who had enjoyed a brilliant game – but you would not have known it as he coolly slotted beyond Pickford to make history for Fulham Football Club.

Everton: Pickford, Patterson, Keane, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Gueye, Onana, Harrison (Danjuma 72'), Garner, McNeil, Calvert-Lewin (Beto 61')

Subs: Danjuma, João Virgínia, Beto, Godfrey, Youssef Chermiti, Lonergan, Hunt, Dobbin, Metcalfe

Fulham FC: Leno, Tete, Tosin, Bassey, Robinson, Reed (Andreas Pereira 77'), João Palhinha, Wilson (De Cordova-Reid 77'), Iwobi (Diop 87'), Willian (Cairney 62'), Rodrigo Muniz (Carlos Vinícius 87')

Subs: Rodák, Cairney, Ballo-Touré, De Cordova-Reid, Andreas Pereira, Castagne, Lukić, Carlos Vinícius, Diop



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/december/19/Everton-1-1-Fulham-6-7-on-pens/

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Everton 1-1 Fulham [6-7 on pens]: Fulham reach semi-finals for first time
A dramatic penalty shoot-out win away at Everton sent Fulham to their first domestic semi-final in 22 seasons

Fulham emerged victorious from a dramatic penalty shoot-out and booked a place in the League Cup semi-finals for the first time in the club's history at Everton's expense.

Marco Silva's side had led after Everton defender Michael Keane scored an own goal in the 41st minute but Beto came off the bench to equalise for the home side with eight minutes remaining.

An elongated penalty shoot-out ensued and when Bobby Decordova-Reid missed his spot-kick it looked set for Everton to make their first major semi-final since 2016, however, Amadou Onana spurned the chance and the shoot-out went into sudden death.

When Idrissa Gueye struck his penalty against the post, with the scores level at 6-6, it allowed centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo to seal a memorable win for Fulham who will discover their last-four opponent when the draw is made on Wednesday evening.

This brought an end to Everton's four-match winning run and is the fourth time in the last six seasons that they have exited the competition on penalties.

Story of the game
Both managers selected strong teams with a valuable semi-final place at stake but were still without notable absentees: the injured Abdoulaye Doucoure and Vitaliy Mykolenko for Everton and the suspended Raul Jimenez for Fulham.

Silva, a previous Everton manager, had already defeated his former club at Goodison Park this term in the league but his current side were a little slow out of the blocks here. Neither side had a shot until the 25th minute as both found the going slow.

Jarrad Branthwaite, playing as a makeshift left-back, cut out two promising moves from the visitors at one end and headed Jack Harrison's cross straight at Bernd Leno at the other. Dwight McNeil also fired over the Fulham goal after James Garner had released Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The home team certainly seemed on top when they cheaply fell behind just before the interval. The ball was lost in midfield and Rodrigo Muniz charged upfield with possession and found Willian. His pass to Antonee Robinson took Fulham into space and the full-back's low cross deflected off Keane's chest and behind Jordan Pickford.

Fulham had been composed up to that point but apart from Willian curling a free-kick underneath the Everton wall and wide of the goalpost, they had not troubled the home defence. Their first shot on target came later on 68 minutes when Alex Iwobi, back at his old club, had a shot saved by Pickford.

Everton were hardly creating chances at will either. Jack Harrison drove narrowly wide with one effort but soon enough Sean Dyche was making changes and sent on Beto with half an hour remaining in place of Calvert-Lewin.

The substitute squandered a chance from an offside position but made amends by levelling up in the 82nd minute after a period of scruffy play.

McNeil released Arnaut Danjuma and Adarabioyo was unable to cut out his low cross from the left. Robinson scuffed his clearance against Gueye and then Garner's follow-up effort struck the left-back and looped up for Beto to head home.

Late chances fell for both Danjuma and substitute De Cordvova-Reid but this quarter-final needed a penalty shoot-out to sort it — and in Fulham's favour.



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2023/12/19/fulham/1166534-everton-1-1-fulham-6-7-on-pens-fulham-reach-semi-finals-for-first-time.html

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Tosin's Heroics Propel Fulham to Historic Semi

Everton vs Fulham: A League Cup Showdown to Remember
In a thrilling encounter that encapsulated the sheer unpredictability and drama of the League Cup, Fulham emerged victorious over Everton in a nail-biting penalty shootout, securing their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals for the first time in over two decades.

Sudden Death Triumph
The climax of the match saw Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, praised by manager Marco Silva as a "special player," confidently converting the decisive penalty in sudden death. This followed a tense moment where Everton's Idrissa Gueye's attempt ricocheted off the post, shifting the momentum in Fulham's favour. Adarabioyo's cool composure under pressure was a testament to his importance in the team, as highlighted by Silva, who emphasised his defensive prowess and growing influence.

First-Half Fumbles and Own Goals
Fulham's journey to victory began with an own goal by Everton's Michael Keane, a twist of fate that set the tone for the match. Despite a spirited response from Everton, including a close header miss by James Tarkowski, Fulham held their nerve.

Everton's Rally and Equaliser
The second half saw Everton intensifying their efforts, with Jack Harrison and substitute Beto creating moments of anxiety for the Fulham defence. Beto's equalising header brought temporary relief to the Everton fans, setting the stage for a penalty showdown.

Penalty Shootout Drama
In a sequence marked by high tension and critical saves by both goalkeepers, Jordan Pickford and Bernd Leno, it was ultimately Adarabioyo who sealed the deal for Fulham, sending the travelling supporters into ecstasy.

An Historic Achievement for Fulham
This victory not only propels Fulham into the semi-finals but also ignites hopes of securing their first major trophy. The significance of this moment is amplified by the memory of their last semi-final appearance in the FA Cup, two decades ago.

Everton's Missed Opportunity
For Everton, under the guidance of Sean Dyche, this result is a bitter pill to swallow. Despite showing promise in the Premier League, their quest for a first piece of silverware since 1995 remains unfulfilled. Dyche, reflecting on the outcome, acknowledged the bravery of his players in the face of this defeat.



https://eplindex.com/100949/tosins-heroics-propel-fulham-to-historic-semi.html

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Silva 'delighted' to reach last four
Fulham head coach Marco Silva heaped praise upon his players after the Whites made it to the League Cup semi-finals for the first time in the club's history with a penalty shoot-out victory over Everton.

Tosin Adarabioyo tucked away the decisive penalty to send the Cottagers into the last four after a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. A beaming Silva told his post-match press conference:

"We are all delighted, no doubt about it. It was clearly our aim to come here and to go through in the competition, and we did it. We knew before the match that it is going to be really tough, a proper cup tie. I know what it means to play here at Goodison when they are in a good moment, when they are in good form, when everybody's on the same page, and we felt that tonight.

Our second half was more difficult, I have to say. In the first half we kept the ball more and we played more in our way, we had the capacity to keep some possession, to calm down the game, to not let the game go always in their physicality. I felt the home support always there and I know how they can lift them every time in the moments that they can be struggling in the game. Even after we scored the [goal to make it] 1-0, the support was always there.

Second half we struggled a little bit, we were not able to keep the ball, we gave the ball away many times, and of course they sustained the pressure. I believe that we defended our box well until they equalised in a moment when we were really under pressure, a moment when I was preparing a tactical change.

I really believe that after the [equaliser at] 1-1, when we changed the system to five at the back, we started to control a little bit more. The game started to be a bit broken – chances for us and for them. The last ten minutes was really tense. And, as I said, a proper cup tie."

Silva was particularly pleased with how his side kept their cool during the penalties, especially after Bobby De Cordova-Reid's effort was saved by Jordan Pickford – with Bernd Leno smothering Andre Onana's spot-kick to take the tie into sudden tie before Tosin slotted home imperiously in front of the Gwladys Street End after Idrissa Gana Gueye had hit the post.

"I have to mention, in a tense evening, the way our players kept the composure in that penalty shoot-out. It's always a really tough moment when you play away from home. [It was a] Huge moment from Bernd when he kept us in the game with the fifth penalty from Onana. I'm really delighted because it's not easy to keep the composure, the quality in the penalty shootout like we did.

Congratulations for the players, for the fans that were here tonight. We achieved something that the club never, never, never did in the past. We want more, but we are really delighted for the moment that we are living right now, but we want more. Now we are going to play the Semi-Finals, with the dream to go and play at Wembley."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/silva-delighted-to-reach-last-four/

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Robinson: 'Let's go and try get a trophy'
A beaming Antonee Robinson targeted Wembley success after Fulham reached the last four of the League Cup for the first team in their history with a penalty shoot-out victory over Everton.

On his return to Goodison Park, the American full-back made Fulham's goal and hammered home a crucial penalty in the shoot-out before centre back Tosin Adarabioyo scored the decisive spot-kick to spark joyous scenes in front of the travelling away support.

Robinson told FFCTV after the final whistle:

'It sounds amazing. Obviously, it was the goal we set out to achieve when we come here and it was a difficult game. Credit to Everton – they made it difficult for us to create chances, they are a really intense to play against and it comes down to an own goal and winning on penalties, but we take the result and move on.

They limit chances a lot and then they are quite direct and really good at winning second balls. t felt like we were penned it a lot, they didn't give us the best chance to play our game. Obviously, at times we did but I think they are just a really difficult team to play and against and obviously the crowd helped them as well.

The left-back shared his delight at continuing his fine run of attacking form after his cross from the left was turned past Jordan Pickford by Michael Keane for an own goal:

"We talk about it in training. As long as you are getting in the right positions and sometimes you've got to fire it across goal and whether it be an assist or an own goal something can happen. Obviously, it won't go down as an assist but I'm happy to help the team out."

Robinson praised Fulham's character as the Whites bounced back from the disappointment of conceding a late equaliser to Beto by looking the likelier to win the tie in stoppage time and keeping their composure in the shoot-out that followed.

"We were bunkered in a little bit defensively towards the end, They made some changes and they were threatening for a while. It was one of them – obviously it was fortunate for them, they had good chances so it felt like they were due a goal. After that, we did show a reaction and showed we wanted to go and win the game in normal time. We responded [well] after the equaliser."

The American international revealed he wasn't nervous in stepping forward to take his first senior penalty in front of the Gwladys Street End.

"I didn't really feel the pressure to be honest – someone had already missed, so I didn't really care! That's how I've been practising penalties in training the last few weeks: just walk up slowly and watch the keeper. Seeing AP sit Pickford down early on, it made think I can wait and go at the last second. It's the first penalty I've ever taken in a pro match, so I'll take it. We kept our goal. We all said, there's no pressure on anyone, no-one's going to begrudge anyone for missing. We stood together as a team; luckily, Bernd saved the one for their winner and we went on to win it."

He also singled out the away fans for particular praise – and believes Marco Silva's side can go on and secure a first major trophy after making more history on Merseyside.

"These are moments that us as players have to enjoy, but the fans have been amazing. I think this is our first semi-final in the League Cup, obviously we go and get to play a brilliant game, a semi-final against a good team over two legs. Hopefully, we can create even better moments home and away and we are in this competition because we want to win, so let's try and get a trophy. The support is amazing. The travelling fans coming all this way on a Tuesday night, they were top. I hope they all enjoy it – whether they're staying here or have a safe trip home, it's a nice little Christmas present for the fans!"



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/robinson-lets-go-and-try-get-a-trophy/

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Player ratings: Everton 1-1 Fulham
Bernd Leno: The German's penalty heroics in front of the Gwladys Street End helped Fulham reached their first ever League Cup final when all seemed lost after Jordan Pickford saved from Bobby De Cordova-Reid. He was brave enough to stand still as Andre Onana jumped theatrically in his run-up and it paid off big time. 7

Kenny Tete: An excellent return to the first time for the Dutch full-back, who bombed forward impressively, and showed impressive match sharpness to keep Dwight McNeil quiet for much of the evening. Added to his decisive penalty against Spurs with another important spot-kick in this shoot-out as well. 7

Antonee Robinson: An outstanding return to Goodison Park for the man that Everton let go as a youngster. Robinson has excelled as an attacking outlet over the last month or so and created Fulham's goal here by flying up the left wing to provide another option at the end of a flowing move and tucked away his own penalty with aplomb too. 7

Tosin Adarabioyo: A colossal defensive display was rounded away with an impeccable penalty to send the Whites into the semi-finals. Tosin was immense at the heart of the Fulham back four, rendering the dangerous Dominic Calvert-Lewin utterly anonymous, and winning header after header as the home side piled on the pressure. The spot-kick writes his name into Fulham folklore – and hopefully he'll follow up by committing his future to the club. 9

Calvin Bassey: Those days when Bassey appeared a little edgy look long gone now. The Nigerian international was resilient as Everton pushed Fulham further and further back in the second period, competed well in the air and brought the ball out with confidence. You can see why the Whites felt he was an ideal fit for Marco Silva's system as they look to the post-Ream future, but the American veteran may find it hard to get back in the side after he recovers from a calf complaint. 7

Tosin Adarabioyo: 9

Joao Palhinha: Tenacious in the tackle as always, the Portuguese midfielder knitted the play together well and calmed things down in a number of tense moments for the visitors. His composure in the engine room counted for plenty as Everton began to dictate proceedings in the second period as well as after the equaliser when the Whites came again during seven minutes of stoppage time. Put away his penalty to keep Fulham in the tie. 7

Harrison Reed: A crucial selection ahead of Tom Cairney to match Everton's physicality in midfield, Reed delivered his most complete performance for a while. Nearly got on the end of a clever little flick from Rodrigo Muniz early on, but this was a night when the special one Iniesta's holding qualities and reading of the danger came to the fore. He covered plenty of ground and used the ball intelligently. 7

Willian: The Brazilian's ability to hold the ball in tight spaces and remain an outlet for Fulham even when they are under pressure is so important in giving the back four a breather, especially away from home. He was excellent here – especially given that Silva is managing his minutes after that hamstring tweak against West Ham United – and smartly utilised Antonee Robinson on the overlap for the goal. 7

Harry Wilson: The Welsh winger might not have made as eye-catching an impression as he did against the Hammers, but his energy and defensive discipline allied to ensure that the Whites weren't left light in midfield. Got through an awful lot of work of the ball and looked bright when on it – even if the rasping volley from the edge of the box in the second half didn't nestle in the top corner. 6

Alex Iwobi: Asked to float around the field behind Rodrigo Muniz on his first return to the blue half of Meresyside, Iwobi's work ethic was commendable and his vital early touches helped Fulham got a foothold in the contest. Faded a little as the home side ramped up the pressure after the interval, but he was always available and has been a real asset for Silva since coming into the side. 6

Rodrigo Muniz: Silva started the evening by snarling at the Brazilian centre forward for his reluctance to lead the press, but could only have marvelled at his hold-up play that created the goal. A tough evening against two physical centre halves, but Muniz acquitted himself admirably – especially in controlling a drilled ball from Wilson up his chest, holding off James Tarkowksi and playing a peach of a pass out to Willian in the blink of an eye. 7

Substitutes:

Tom Cairney: Kept the ball well after coming on for Willian just after the hour mark, but struggled to dictate the play as Everton pushed for an equaliser. Stepped up to take the second penalty and kept his nerve. 6

Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Could have notched another winner at Goodison this season in stoppage time but was denied by Nathan Patterson before almost setting up a chance for Carlos Vinicius. Saw his spot-kick saved by Pickford, but has never let Fulham down. 6

Andreas Pereira: Pereira's cameo as a late substitute was something of a disappointment as he failed to get up to the pace of the contest, but the Brazilian made light of all that by winning the battle of wills with Pickford at the start of the shoot-out. 6

Carlos Vinicius: Had little time to make an impact up front after being sent on in the aftermath of Everton's equaliser – but kept the Whites in the tie with a confident penalty. 6

Issa Diop: Fulham actually looked far more dangerous once Silva switched to three centre backs in the closing stages, which might make that system an option for the future. 6



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/player-ratings-everton-1-1-fulham/

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Ipswich Town: Jay Stansfield among potential January transfer targets
Fulham striker Jay Stansfield is understood to be a player Ipswich Town have enquired about heading into the January transfer window.

The 21-year-old - who can play in a variety of forward positions - bagged nine goals in an emotional season on loan at League One outfit Exeter City last season. Back at his boyhood club, he wore the No.9 shirt which had previously been retired after the previous holder, his father, Adam Stansfield, died of cancer in 2010.

 The two-cap England U21 international then stepped up a division when joining Birmingham City on loan. There, he has scored five goals in 19 Championship appearances so far, including one against Ipswich during a 2-2 draw at St Andrew's back in early November.

Stansfield - who ticks all of Kieran McKenna's recruitment boxes of 'young, hungry, technical and athletic' - has made three Premier League appearances for Fulham and is contracted at Craven Cottage until 2027.

 It would therefore take a decent fee to persuade the Cottagers to part company with a player seen as having big potential.

The Sun recently reported that the Blues had a budget of £3m - and £15k-a-week on wages - to land a front man next month. We understand that the club could push beyond that, and still stay within Financial Fair Play rules, if they felt the right player became available.

Speaking exclusively to the EADT and Ipswich Star last month, Town chief executive Mark Ashton said: "As a result of (not spending big last summer), we'll now have more firepower to go again in January and we'll have more firepower to go again next summer.

 "That said, January is always a difficult transfer window. It's a seller's window, not a buyer's window. But we'll be prepared going into it. We'll be brave and we'll be bold, but we won't be reckless."

Stansfield, who will have worked with Town first team coach Charlie Turnbull when coming through the youth teams at Craven Cottage, is just one of several strikers under consideration as McKenna looks to strengthen an Ipswich squad chasing back-to-back promotions into the Premier League.

George Hirst, who Town paid £1.5m to sign from Leicester last summer, is currently backed up by Freddie Ladapo, Dane Scarlett and Kayden Jackson in that department.



https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/23999766.ipswich-town-jay-stansfield-among-potential-january-transfer-targets/

[SP]

I newspaper had Beto as the MoTM, he only played half an hour!