Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 2/01/24...

[WhiteJC]

Positives and negatives: Fulham 2-1 Arsenal

Hold on, did Fulham really beat Arsenal for the first time since 2012? Yes! They did! And Cam ain't gonna let you forget about it. Get in there!

Happy New Year, ladies and gents! Whether you're still nursing a dirty hangover or you're bright and dandy, 2023 was rounded off brilliantly as Fulham defeated Arsenal at Craven Cottage and as we look forward to the year ahead, we can be proud of the what Marco Silva's boys have achieved in the Premier League, and beyond, until now.

Last year comprised a strong return to life in the top-flight. A long-awaited win against our conceited neighbours. An FA Cup quarter final riddled with controversy. We have reached our first semi-final since our fabled Europa League exploits and while there were plenty of unsavoury moments along the way, this wonderful team of ours has exceeded expectation and it has been a pleasure to follow them up and down the country, come rain or shine, win, draw or lose.

Mikel Arteta's misfiring Gunners weren't ready for the smoke that came their way. The Cottage was in fine voice and the lads did the business, no excuses, no bullpoo, just hard graft and big dick energy. I don't know how we'd gone from being a sorry shitshow to showstoppers in 6 days but that's football, folks, and if we didn't know so already, that is Fulhamish. Here's to another unpredictably mental 365 days, people! We wouldn't have it any other way. You Whites!

Positives

2023's emphatic crescendo

Our winless streak against the division's 'big six' is no more. Following three terrible league outings, Fulham laid claim to maximum points at the Cottage against an Arsenal side that could've climbed to the top of the table if they had any bottle about them. There's something about clubs in north London and falling to pieces unceremoniously and the meltdown from Club Shop FC is going to be a treat. They had lost their previous game before their trip across the capital, a brutal onslaught was anticipated but they crossed paths with a Silva side that also wanted to set the record straight. Challenge accepted.

Despite going a goal behind in the 5th minute, Fulham shoulders didn't drop and heads didn't bow. We had to remain mindful of the Gunners' potency but really, Silva's men were far more convincing than Arteta's and it made for an emphatic crescendo to 2023. We didn't sit back and take punishment, this time, we upped the ante and compounded Arsenal's dwindling hopes of clinching the title and at long last, it was our time to dish out a major upset with a collective performance that fully deserved the victory. We saved the best 'til last, the Whites took the game to the Gunners and we never looked back once Bobby Decordova-Reid poked us ahead. On the day, we wanted it so much more and nobody can argue with that.

The attitude on show from all in Fulham colours was outstanding. We always seem to drop points in agonising circumstances whenever we face teams that regularly qualify for European competitions but actually, I didn't feel that usual foreboding sense of dread. We were in control, we counteracted Arteta's panicked substitutions with the well-planned introductions of Andreas Pereira and Issa Diop amongst others, the game was managed superbly by Marco and there can be no complaints from Mikel, which is a miracle in itself.

He said his side were beaten fair and square, Fulham were the dominant force and when you look back at the years we've shared with Silva, this dub is debatably the most satisfying we've experienced under his command. Topping our historic victory over Chelsea will take some doing but our latest win, an emphatic one at that, will definitely live long in the memory.

Raul's raucous return

In those three games where Raul Jimenez was suspended, Fulham were predictable moving forward, our deputy strikers just aren't up to the Premier League grade and as soon as Raul returned to the starting XI on Sunday, our fortunes changed. The Mexican striker now has 4 goals in 4 outings, his back stick equaliser was prodded past David Raya with certainty and his all-round application in the final third thrust the Whites into the ascendency, after he restored parity.

Occupying both Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, forced the issue with his hold-up play and as he dropped to retrieve possession, he invited his teammates to spin off and hit the channels as he effected play. The 32-year-old's involvement was beneficial to our progression, he picked up loose balls and claimed them as our own, he climbed to win headers and flick them on and his movement distracted Arsenal's back line.

It's clear that we cannot rely on Carlos Vinicius or Rodrigo Muniz, but we can depend on this confident version of Raul, even if he made a meal of that rabona on the edge of the penalty area. He put himself about, he was smart in possession and in front of the target, he didn't miss the mark. Witnessing him net against Arsenal, the club his horrific skull fracture happened against, is a moment to savour and if he's to take anything from the past year – or six weeks – with him as we head into the next 12 months, it has to be his eye for goal.

Robinson pockets Saka

There's a reason why Liverpool allegedly want Antonee Robinson for 40-odd million quid. We know that Robinson has a clanger in him, those from the outside that may not watch him as frequently as we do may not be aware of his sporadic mishaps but the USMNT left-back certainly has the potential to reach the very top and with Bukayo Saka to silence, the Arsenal and England's poster boy, Jedi's desirable traits came to life and he didn't trip over his duties.

When Robinson shook his jeans in the morning of New Years Day, a scrunched and crumpled Saka would've tumbled out with a packet of Hubba-Bubba and a Monzo card. The tricky Hale End winger got no change from the Antonee, he tried to sidestep our pacy full-back but he just couldn't overcome Robinson's durability. Wherever Bukayo trod, Robinson had already left his footprint because he was always one yard ahead.

There was an instance at the death where Saka buffeted Robinson in the back to steal possession, underhand tactics from a guy that had lucked out, but other than scrambling in the opener, the shining star boy's impact and relevance was dimmed, he was reduced to a peripheral existence and that was all down to Antonee's staying power and stubborn resistance.

Palhinha's pulsating passion

After the summer transfer window slammed shut and his projected deadline day switch to Bayern Munich fell through, Joao Palhinha promised that for as long as he's at the club, for as long as he wears the famous black and white, he will give 100% no matter what. That bold statement of his was not a lie. Until now, Palhinha has grappled for the shirt, he has thrown himself in the firing line for the badge and against Arsenal, not for the first time this season, the Portuguese man o' war's passion was pulsating.

Lung-bursting recoveries, long distance surveillance and crucial crunching challenges that were accompanied by the curdling scream of a bloodthirsty Spartan, Palhinha presented Declan Rice's severed head to the baying masses, he stripped Saka of his dignity and he did so for us, for Fulham Football Club, in his auditorium. He was at the peak of his powers, he endorsed aggression, firmness and when he had to reclaim possession, knowing the consequences if he didn't do so safely, he held his nerve and trusted his commitment.

Right now, he is the world's greatest holding midfielder. Nobody comes close. We are privileged, Joao could very well be playing Champions League football in Bavaria, he could still sign for Bayern in the coming weeks, although I just don't see it happening. He is far too invested. He'll almost certainly bid farewell in the summer but at this stage of the season, with so much to strive for in SW6, he'll continue to give everything he's got for the Whites because from what I saw from him on Sunday afternoon, the body language, the intensity, the pride, Palhinha is gearing up for battle on English soil on multiple fronts.

Bassey locks it down

Eddie Nketiah hadn't a single hope of surviving. Calvin Bassey was arguably the only participant on Boxing Day that was worthy of praise, he wanted to make the difference in a team starved of movement and desire and just a few days later, more compliments came the Nigeria international's way because while the Whites may have gone a goal down early doors, the bustling centre-back soon locked it down and shut the visitors up.

Arsenal's attack is lively, interchangeable, and if they weave themselves into dangerous positions, they usually capitalise. Not on Bassey's shift, mind. He's a jet-propelled bulldozer of a defender, if the Gunners sprung our traps, CBass shunted them into submission and once he'd overturned possession, he stampeded from deep, encouraging his teammates to hijack momentum.

With the ball, Bassey was progressive and he introduced purpose and ambition into Fulham's game plan. He is comfortable with his ability on the ball, centre-backs are required to distribute play confidently and on his natural left side, Calvin was prepared to contribute in whichever way he could. He stamped out trouble, he established himself physically and he cooperated functionally with Tosin Adarabioyo, a partnership that is going to flourish, even if it hasn't been flawless recently. We're going to miss Bassey when he departs for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month but I trust that whoever steps in, will step up to the challenge.

Tom's inch-perfect input

Perfection is the presiding factor of Tom Cairney's game and within a midfield department laden with versed playmakers and international heavyweights, our skipper's ingenuity in key scenarios set him apart from Arsenal's pretenders. In recent weeks since being reinstated to Silva's starting compliment, Cairney's input has been astonishing and the belief that he's only useful off the bench for 20 minutes or so has been put to bed without any dinner.

Strong main character vibes gushed out of every deft touch and flick he dolled out, he's a technical virtuoso and in a busy middle third where reactions and awareness had to be respected, TC's judgement was immaculate and his supporting runs off the ball enabled the Whites to fashion decent scoring opportunities. He was, of course, the architect behind Raul's leveller, the whip and placement offset the Gunners' defensive line and that's the exquisite standard he demands of himself whenever he features.

It was was Tom's 4th assist of the campaign, a sublime masterstroke and if it weren't for Raya's fingertips, he he would've registered his second goal of the season midway through the second half, too, with a delicate dab from the edge of the 18. Martin Odegaard paled in comparison, Kai Havertz gulped in awe, as Cairney manipulated play and hit levels that were simply unparalleled, Arsenal's big-money imposters were flogged, cheaply. It was Tom's pitch, all of it, and as sky-high reputations were humbled, our skipper extraordinaire lapped up the plaudits because his performance, in the company of false riches, was invaluable. Statue: pending.

Negatives

Weird reffing, nothing else




https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-01-01-positives-and-negatives-fulham-2-1-arsenal/

[WhiteJC]

Report: Alleged Tottenham target is now 'keen to move' clubs in January
TEAMtalk have claimed that rumoured Tottenham target Tosin Adarabioyo is now keen to leave Fulham in the January transfer window.

Multiple outlets over the last couple of weeks have revealed that Adarabioyo, who has six months left on his contract at Craven Cottage, is part of Tottenham's shortlist of centre-back targets for January (The Athletic).

However, over the last few days, various sources have suggested that the defender is more likely to leave the Cottagers at the end of the season.

This includes a recent update by The Sun's Tom Barclay, who said that the Englishman had turned down a contract offered by Fulham and had informed the club that he wants to leave as a free agent next summer.

The same information was also backed up by Football Insider, who stated a couple of days ago that Marco Silva's men are not planning on offloading the centre-back next month despite his contract situation.

Adarabioyo wants to leave Fulham in January
However, TEAMtalk have now contradicted those recent updates by stating that a January departure is very much on the cards for Adarabioyo.

The outlet says that the current feeling at Fulham is that the 27-year-old is keen to leave the West London club 'if the right deal opens up'.

Spurs Web Opinion
One would expect Fulham to be tempted to cash in on Adarabioyo in January, given that the centre-back seemingly has no intention of signing a new deal.

The big question is whether Adarabioyo is open to move to Tottenham as he did not seem particularly keen on the transfer last summer, perhaps due to fears about not getting game time.




https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/report-alleged-tottenham-target-is-now-keen-to-move-clubs-in-january/

[WhiteJC]

West Ham are open to letting out of favour Said Benrahma leave, with Fulham and Lyon keen... while the Hammers are in the running for Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy

    West Ham winger Said Benrahma has struggled for gametime this season
    The Hammers are open to moving Benrahma on if a suitable situation arises

West Ham are preparing to offload Said Benrahma with Fulham and Lyon keen.

The 28-year-old has cut a disgruntled figure in recent weeks and David Moyes is ready to sell if he can bring in a replacement.

The Hammers are believed to want around £20m for the Algerian, who was last week left out of his country's AFCON squad. 

The absence of Mohamed Kudus with Ghana and injury to Lucas Paqueta could delay talks though.

Benrahma has struggled for gametime at West Ham this season, playing just 12 times in the Premier League.

Only four of these have been starts, and he has added zero goals and one assist in the process.

Meanwhile, West Ham are in the running for Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy, who can play off the left and centrally.

Guirassy has a release clause of £15m so there is competition for his signature.

The Guinea forward - who counts Lille, Rennes and FC Koln among his former clubs - is enjoying a stunning season in Germany.

The 27-year-old has 17 league goals in just 14 appearances, with only England skipper and Bayern Munich talisman Harry Kane (21 goals in 15 games) scoring more than him.

Jarrod Bowen has played as the central striker for Moyes' side in recent weeks, with Danny Ings continuing to struggle for form since his move to the London Stadium last year.

Elsewhere, Michael Antonio injured, while hotshot striker Divin Mubama is not yet fully-trusted by the Scot.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12917713/West-Ham-Said-Benrahma-Fulham-Lyon-Hammers-Stuttgart-Serhou-Guirassy.html

[WhiteJC]

Liverpool target passes transfer audition as Jurgen Klopp delighted for two reasons
Liverpool are on the hunt for specific recruits during the January transfer window.

Liverpool were handed a huge dose of encouragement on New Year's Eve, as one of their top transfer targets turned in a stunning performance, while also helping their title ambitions.

The Reds are set to scour the January transfer market for defensive recruits, despite Jurgen Klopp previously stating how much he dislikes the mid-season window.

Liverpool have been cut bare at the back, with injuries to the centre of defence and also at left-back. First choice star Andy Robertson has been on the sidelines for months, while his deputy Kostas Tsimikas recently broke his collar bone against rivals Arsenal.

According to mounting reports, the Reds are seriously examining Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson, with hopes of making a push for his signature in January.

The pacey left back has made a name for himself in the Premier League, and had already gained the admiration of Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

On Sunday evening Robinson was integral as Fulham pulled off a shock comeback victory over title chasing Arsenal, to leave Liverpool clear at the top of the division with a game-in-hand.

This is just one reason why Klopp will already be excited by the potential new signing, given he has in some small part already played a role in Liverpool gunning for Premier League glory.

What will excite Klopp more, no doubt, is Robinson's ability to nullify the best players in the English top flight.

Going up against Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka, Robinson did not appear out of his depth in either attacking or defensive capacities down the flank.

The 26-year-old USA international was able to continually win back possession for his side from the likes of Saka with heavy pressing and intense work-rate, while then manufacturing a counter attack upfield.

Off the back of the Tsimikas' recent injury, 90min claimed Liverpool have reached out to Fulham about signing Robinson. The report says they have discussed Robinson's availability just months after he inked a new five-year contract at Craven Cottage.

Robinson was one of the best players on the pitch when Fulham narrowly lost 4-3 to Liverpool at Anfield at the start of December. And it is claimed the USA international is open to the move and that the Reds are hopeful of striking an agreement to sign him next month.

Klopp will also monitor the market for a potential candidate who can play both at left back and also cover the area of central defence if required.

Liverpool's ideal January addition would be a left-sided centre-back capable of playing at full-back, someone such as Sporting's Goncalo Inacio. The Merseyside club are not expected to be busy in the winter window, however.

Despite losing Joel Matip to a season-ending knee injury, Jarell Quansah has stepped up brilliantly and the 20-year-old - who kept a clean sheet at Burnley - can expect a lot of minutes between now and the end of May.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1850772/Liverpool-transfer-news-Antonee-Robinson

[WhiteJC]

Reggae Boy Reid hopes win leads to new year success
Reggae Boy Bobby Reid hopes Fulham's shock New Year Eve's victory over title contenders Arsenal can serve as a catalyst in the new year.

Reid scored the winner in the 59th minute at Craven Cottage, capping off a superb come-from-behind win after the hosts found themselves trailing after five minutes, courtesy of Bukayo Saka's strike.

Prior to Sunday's victory, Fulham had lost three on the bounce in the Premier League.

"It's a positive," Reid said of the result which lifted Fulham to 13th on 24 points.

"We can obviously build on this, build on our performance and, hopefully in the New Year, we can pick up results.

"Obviously, we've got big Cup games coming up as well, so we just need to build on this and keep going."

Fulham were forced to scrap after falling behind early, Gabriel Martinelli forcing a save out of goalkeeper Bernd Leno only for Saka to tap in from point blank range.

The comeback began in the 30th when Raúl Jiménez finished off a flowing transition move from five yards, before Reid responded quickest to a loose ball in the box following a corner, to poke his finish past David Raya nearing the hour mark.

"We put on a performance that everyone should be proud of – the fans, and everyone else," Reid said.

"We had true determination and grit, and we have to continue that into the new year.

"I think we were resilient in our shape. We all knew what we were doing, everyone was working hard and working for each other and, on the ball, we were very good.

"We understood how we can hurt them and, thankfully I got the goal – right place, right time – but the lads worked really hard and deserved the victory."

Reid, who joined Fulham from Cardiff City four years ago, has scored four goals this season.



https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20240102/reggae-boy-reid-hopes-win-leads-new-year-success

[WhiteJC]

Fulham keen on 'unbelievable' £20m PL attacker, he's already scored 3 times against the Whites
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing West Ham United forward Said Benrahma in January as they look to boost their attacking options.

Marco Silva's side finished the year in the best way possible, defeating Arsenal 2-1 at Craven Cottage.

A report from the Daily Mail has shared that the Whites are looking to bring in the Algerian international with the hope of looking up the table in 2024 rather than over their shoulder.

Fulham go into the new year with a Carabao Cup semi-final on the horizon and a nine-point gap over the relegation zone.

They're actually closer to seventh-place Manchester United in the Premier League which would earn them a place in Europe next season if they don't win the cup.

Silva is set to say goodbye to Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Fode Ballo-Toure as they head to the African Cup of Nations for the next month.

That's going to make progress tricky, but the depth of Silva's squad has vastly improved over the past 18 months.

Fulham are now seeing if they can sign Said Benrahma from West Ham United to provide some competition across the front line.

Willian has been sensational this season and his importance was clear to see on New Year's Eve when he returned to the side after picking up an injury.

But he's getting on a bit now and Fulham will know they can't rely on him forever.

Fulham interested in West Ham attacker Benrahma
The report from the Daily Mail suggests that the Hammers are preparing to sell Benrahma and want around £20m for the 28-year-old.

Lyon are also keen on the Algerian international who won't be going to AFCON this month.

He's been described as a 'disgruntled figure' in the report and if David Moyes can find a replacement then he will be allowed to go.

The 'unbelievable' winger may have to wait to see what happened with Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Paqueta before the club sanctions a sale.

Fulham will be all too aware of how good the West Ham winger can be as Benrahma's record playing against the Whites is very good.

While at rivals Brentford he tormented Fulham on multiple occasions.

He's won five of his eight meetings with the Whites, scoring three goals and three assists in the process.

Benrahma might have to win over a few fans who won't forget his exploits with the Bees, but as soon as that first goal goes in, all of that will be forgotten.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/01/02/fulham-keen-on-unbelievable-20m-pl-attacker-hes-already-scored-3-times-against-the-whites/