Sunday Fulham Stuff - 18/02/24...

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Results

Saturday 17/02
Brentford	1-4	Liverpool
Burnley	0-5	Arsenal
Fulham	1-2	Villa
Muniz
Newcastle	2-2	Bournemouth
Forest	2-0	West Ham
Spurs	1-2	Wolves
Man City	1-1	Chelsea

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Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa

Aston Villa have scored 52 Premier League goals this campaign, already more than they scored in total last season (51).

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery called Ollie Watkins "clinical" and "amazing" after the Villa striker scored twice at Fulham to help his side return to the Premier League's top four.

Jacob Ramsey pinched the ball off Willian after a poor throw-in from Antonee Robinson and set up Watkins who slotted Villa into a 23rd-minute lead.

And the England forward deservedly doubled his tally when he buried Youri Tielemans' through-ball just after the restart.

The hosts were gifted a way back into the match as Rodrigo Muniz capitalised on a mix-up between Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez and defender Clement Lenglet.

Martinez was then called into two fine saves in second-half injury time, but Emery's side held on. They now sit fourth in the table after rivals Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Wolves on Saturday.

"He [Watkins] worked for it," Emery told BBC Match of the Day. "It was a very tough match for him as well and he was fighting with [Fulham defender] Issa Diop.

"He was clinical today and really amazing."

Watkins stars as Villa produce 'massive reaction'
Watkins was superb at Craven Cottage and has now scored 18 goals in all competitions this season, while his statistics speak for themselves.

His 23 goal involvements in the top flight this season (13 goals and 10 assists in 25 games), is only bettered by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah (24).

And in terms of goal involvements for Villa, only Dwight Yorke (27 in 1995-96) can boast more in a single Premier League campaign.

His latest performance also ends a comparatively dry run where he managed just two goals in 10 matches before Saturday, having missed a number of chances in Villa's narrow defeat to Manchester United last time out.

"Personally I'm not dwelling on that and as a team we're not," Watkins told BBC Match of the Day.

"It's nice to get back on the scoresheet. It was a massive reaction to come here and win today."

Two points clear as form begins to turn
It is no secret that Aston Villa have not had the start to 2024 the club would have wanted.

After missing out on a chance to go top of the Premier League on Boxing Day, Villa have lost four of their past 10 matches in all competitions, and had slipped down to fifth in the league table.

The visitors started brightly with Tielemans, in for the injured Boubacar Kamara, setting up Watkins, only for his goal to be ruled offside in the first two minutes.

After the forward's opener, Leon Bailey struck the crossbar with a curling effort and Tielemans was denied by Fulham keeper Bernd Leno when through on goal.

Alex Moreno also had a first-half headed finish ruled out for a tight offside, timing his run a fraction too early to meet Watkins' flick on.

"It's a very important win," Emery added to BBC Match of the Day. "We are trying to push and be successful. Today was a match to show it, and they showed it."

Villa, now two points clear of Tottenham in fifth, face Nottingham Forest at home in their next match next Saturday.

Muniz impresses but 'sloppy' Fulham fall just short
Fulham were the creators of their own downfall at Craven Cottage, with manager Marco Silva admitting his side were far "too sloppy" in periods.

Robinson's loose throw-in set up Villa's first, and poor defending enabled their second.

"We were punished by the mistakes we made," Silva told BBC Match of the Day.

"We cannot concede goals the way we did it. We were too sloppy, we were too open in those moments."

Minutes before the opener, Tim Ream had a goal disallowed for offside when he rounded the keeper after Joao Palhinha's flick-on.

Muniz, who scored his fourth goal in three games, looked dangerous from crosses into the box and halved the deficit in the 63rd minute after Martinez and Lenglet hesitated following a low Robinson cross.

Buoyed by that strike, Fulham pushed for an equaliser with Harry Wilson volleying wide and Alex Iwobi, back from Africa Cup of Nations action, having a shot saved by the feet of Martinez.

And the Argentine goalkeeper made up for his earlier error, brilliantly racing off his line to deny former Villa forward Adama Traore in injury time.

Fulham, who are away to Manchester United in their next match, will be without Palhinha, who will now serve a two-match ban after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68260180

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Post-Aston Villa Press Conference
With Fulham having more attempts, shots on target, and possession, than Aston Villa, it was put to Marco Silva that his side would have been good value for a point.

"100 per cent," he agreed. "It wasn't our best performance, for sure, during the first half. The first goal we conceded had a big impact in the game and gave them the confidence that they can control the game in a different way.

"Until that moment, the game was really balanced, not any team on the front foot really, both teams respecting themselves and with a plan.

"We knew what we were capable to do and our plan for the game, but a goal can change everything. First half, not at [our] level but really not many chances for them as well.

"I think we reacted well beginning of the second half. We had some dangerous moments, we were trying to control the game, playing more in our offensive half, but we cannot concede goals the way we did this afternoon.

"I think we were really punished by that second goal. Really sloppy, the way we defended that moment, and was like a big punch on ourselves, the second goal. The team broke a little bit, but the reaction after the moment that we scored for 2-1, completely lifted ourselves and was a completely different team."

After Rodrigo Muniz scored his fourth goal in three games to half the deficit, it was all Fulham, but a deserved equaliser proved elusive.

"From that moment, last 20 minutes, just Fulham was on the pitch, pushing them back," Silva said. "It was our obligation to react and to try to equalise the game.

"We had chances with Adama, with Alex Iwobi, with Rodrigo, the free-kick with Harry Wilson. We had more than one or two chances to equalise the game.

"Unfortunately we didn't, but this afternoon was not just about the chances we missed in the last 15-20 minutes, it was the way we conceded goals as well. Because of that, we didn't achieve a different result that I really believe we deserved."

Another blot on the afternoon was a 10th booking of the season for João Palhinha.

That means a two-game ban for the midfielder, but Silva views it as an opportunity for a player to follow Muniz's example and take the opportunity with both hands.

"It is what it is. He's going to be out and another player has to step in. I think inside our football club, we have a good example with what's happened last two weeks with Rodrigo.

"When everyone is making a big story about that situation, a player steps into the responsibility to get his chance. And he's doing really well and he's helping the team.

"It has to happen the same with another player that is going to be in João's position and to play the next games. That's all he can do, he can take the responsibility and step in and show his quality, because we have quality inside our squad to replace him."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/february/17/post-aston-villa-press-conference/

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Fulham 1-2 Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins scores twice as Unai Emery's team overcome injury crisis to reclaim top-four place after difficult start to 2024

    Ollie Watkins slotted home halfway through the first half to put visitors ahead
    Villa striker got a second after 56 minutes before Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back

The last time that Aston Villa came to Craven Cottage, their manager was sacked before they had even boarded the team bus back to Birmingham. No chance of that happening this time around.

That was October 2022 when a 3-0 win for Fulham signalled the end of Steven Gerrard's time as Villa boss with the side in 17th.

For his replacement Unai Emery in his 50th Premier League game in charge of Villa, this victory, thanks to a superb all-round display by Ollie Watkins, put his team back in the top four.

Despite Rodrigo Muniz pulling one back for Marco Silva's side, Villa held on and Emery was full of praise for his striker.

'I'm very happy. Ollie (Watkins) was fantastic,' said Emery. 'The best action he did was in the first half when he dropped to help our midfielders and created some good chances. He's improved a lot in his commitment to give everything the team needs in each moment. We are very happy when he scores but even when he doesn't score, I'm still very proud,' the Villa boss added.

His side came into the game with just eight points from their last seven, though given their injury crisis, Emery admitted that he had not gone through such a situation in his managerial career. In came Pau Torres, for his first start since December, and Youri Tielemans in place of the injured Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara.

Fulham remained unchanged though Armando Broja was absent with illness. Unfortunate for Sylvinho and Pablo Zabaleta - the manager and assistant manager of Albania - who had made the trip to London to follow Broja.

Villa were dominant in the first half and Watkins broke the deadlock midway through after a careless throw-in from Antonee Robinson put Willian under pressure in his own half.

Jacob Ramsey won the ball back and Watkins finished wonderfully past Bernd Leno into the bottom corner.

Minutes later, Leon Bailey nearly doubled the advantage as he unleashed a dipping strike that rattled the woodwork.

Watkins then nearly turned provider with a flick-on to Alex Moreno, who nodded in at the back post but Moreno was marginally offside and Tielemans should have finished when Watkins played him through, only for his attempt to be saved by Leno.

Silva turned to Alex Iwobi at the break to restore some control, with Willian making way but it initially failed to have the desired effect.

The clinical Watkins made it two with a devastating finish after he was played through by Tielemans.

For Watkins, it was his 23rd goal involvement in the Premier League this term - behind only Mohamed Salah (24) and from there, it should have been plain sailing for the visitors.

But out of nothing, Rodrigo Muniz pounced on an error by Clement Lenglet with a smart finish to pull one back and shift the momentum as Craven Cottage found its voice and Iwobi made his mark on the game.

Silva made four more changes in the hunt for an equaliser as Fulham responded well and their best chance to level came in injury time when Adama Traore was put through on goal by Muniz, but Martinez was equal to the task.

Fulham's frustrations grew as referee Lewis Smith, 30, officiating his first Premier League game, dished out five yellow cards to them after the 85th minute – one of which means a two-game ban for Joao Palhinha - and when he blew the whistle in the fifth of the five minutes of added time despite Villa making a substitution in the 94th minute, he was met by a chorus boos and chants from the crowd.

'It wasn't our best performance. We reacted well in the second half and it was a completely different team after we scored,' said Silva. 'I'm not going to comment on the referee. I spoke to him after and I want to understand more for the future because it should be more than five minutes played,' added Silva.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13095103/Fulham-1-2-Aston-Villa-Goals-halves-Ollie-Watkins-secure-Unai-Emerys-Villains-three-points-West-London-Rodrigo-Muniz-pulled-one-Cottagers.html

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Watkins' double condemns Fulham to defeat
Ollie Watkins' double on his return to west London condemned Fulham to defeat.

The home side were unable to find an equaliser after Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back in the second half after Watkins had struck twice for Aston Villa.

Watkins had an early goal ruled out for offside but there was no room for doubt when the former Brentford forward fired in the opener.

Fulham lost possession after Willian was played into trouble, and were punished when Jacob Ramsey won the ball and it then fell to Watkins, who finished emphatically.

The Whites were fortunate not to go further behind just before the hour mark, when Leon Bailey blasted against the top of the bar after getting the better of Antonee Robinson.

And Villa had another goal disallowed – correctly – before the interval when Alex Moreno headed in after Watkins had flicked on.

They did double their lead 11 minutes into the second half – and again Fulham were punished for some poor defending.

Youri Tielemans' pass carved the home side open and Watkins got away from Issa Diop and slotted home.

Fulham were given hope by the in-form Muniz's fourth goal in three matches.

Robinson chased what initially looked like a lost cause and crossed towards the near post, where keeper Emi Martinez hesitated and Muniz got in front of Clement Lenglet to score.

Fulham tried in vain to find another goal and Martinez produced a fine stoppage-time save to deny Adama Traore.
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Diop, Ream (Bassey 76), Robinson; Palhinha (Lukic 89), Cairney; De Cordova-Reid (Wilson 64), Pereira (Traore 75), Willian (Iwobi 45); Muniz.
Subs not used: Rodák, Adarabioyo, Reed, Ballo-Touré.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/sport/fulham-v-aston-villa-report-170224

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Fulham undone by Watkins double as high-flying Aston Villa continue to pursue top four
Fulham (0) 1 Muniz 63

Aston Villa (1) 2 Watkins 23, 56

A goal in each half from Ollie Watkins was just enough to see off Fulham, furthering the visitors' credentials as serious candidates for a top-four finish.

The Whites had a poor first half, but the introduction of Alex Iwobi at the break injected a little more devil in their play, as did the arrival of Harry Wilson.

Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back to ensure a close finish but the Whites could not quite get the second goal their improved tempo arguably merited.

Fulham were already a goal down to a Watkins opener when they were hit by a sucker-punch when Watkins raced clear from Youri Tielmans pass through the middle and finished with that familiar dead-eyed calm past an exposed Bernd Leno.

Those goals coming from an ex-Bee will have stung home fans but others have had to endure the Watkins cutting edge in this part of the world. It was his seventh goal in the last seven games against London sides in the capital.

Fulham began well enough, even finding the net through Tim Ream, of all people, before a linesman's flag intervened, but it was Villa who stole a march.

It was a messy, avoidable goal from the Whites' point of view, with Jacob Ramsey quickest to a loose ball and after shrugging off Willian, he teed up Watkins for a simple finish.

Villa had given few real clues about how they come to be in contention for the top four this season up to then but the organisation and individual talents are obvious.

Leon Bailey clipped the Fulham crossbar in the visitors' next big raid and Unai Emery's team started to look the part a bit more.

Alex Moreno almost doubled the lead but his far-post header was ruled out for a marginal offside - the ball having come to the defender via a flicked header from the dangerous Watkins. And it needed a good smother from Leno to deny Tielemans just before the interval.

Muniz badly wanted to build on his two goals against Bournemouth last time around and he flashed one shot over the bar and sent a header just wide before the break.

And he got his reward for another afternoon of endeavour when he nipped in ahead of Clement Lenglet to steer an Antonee Robinson cross past Emiliano Martinez at the near post.

It set up a thrilling final half hour, in which Wilson fired a volley just wide and Martinez foiled sub Adama Traore in a one v one after Muniz had threaded a pass through the eye of a needle between two defenders.

It was an altogether better showing but the Whites could not quite get back on level terms. Home fans vented frustration at ref Lewis Smith at the end, feeling their team got the worst of the 50-50 decisions.

But in truth Traore might have been red carded for a couple of fouls and Palhinha was arguably lucky to only receive a yellow for another bad foul.

As it was, the Portuguese now has 10 bookings and faces a two-game suspension Fulham could do without, with Man United away next week.

Whites: (4-2-3-1) Leno - Castagne, Diop, Ream (Bassey 75), Robinson - Joao Palhinha (Lukic 89), Cairney - De Cordova-Reid (Wilson 64), Pereira (Traore 75), Willian (Iwobi h/t) - Muniz

Villa: (4-2-3-1) Martinez - Cash, Lenglet, Torres, Moreno (Digne 81) - McGinn, Douglas Luiz - Bailey (Diaby 81), Tielemans (Iroegbunam 90+4), Ramsey - Watkins

Attendance: 24,401



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/fulham-undone-by-watkins-double-as-high-flying-aston-villa-continue-to-pursue-top-four

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Silva rues 'sloppy' Fulham defending
Marco Silva admitted Fulham paid the price for some "sloppy" defending in their 2-1 home defeat against Aston Villa.

The Whites put their opponents under pressure after Rodrigo Muniz pulled a goal back, but were unable to find an equaliser.

In the build-up to the opening goal, Fulham lost possession after Willian was played into trouble, and were punished when Jacob Ramsey won the ball and it then fell to Ollie Watkins, who finished emphatically.

And for the second goal, Youri Tielemans' pass carved the home side open and Watkins got away from Issa Diop and slotted home.

Boss Silva said his side "100%" deserved a point after clawing their way back into the game following Watkins' brace.

But he added: "The first goal we conceded had a big impact in the game and gave them the confidence that they could control the game.

"Until that moment, the game was really balanced, not any team on the front foot really, both teams respecting themselves and with a plan.

"I think we reacted well at the beginning of the second half. We had some dangerous moments, we were trying to control the game, playing more in our offensive half, but we cannot concede goals the way we did this afternoon.

"I think we were really punished by that second goal. Really sloppy, the way we defended that moment, and was like a big punch on ourselves, the second goal.

"The reaction after the moment that we scored for 2-1 completely lifted ourselves and it was a completely different team."

Meanwhile, João Palhinha faces a two-match ban after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season.

"We have quality inside our squad to replace him," Silva insisted.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-rues-sloppy-fulham-defending

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Arsenal, Fulham, West Ham United eyeing Pablo Maia swoop, player wants PL move

Pablo Maia is interested in a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal, West Ham United, and Fulham keen on the midfielder.
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal, West Ham United, and Fulham are keen on Pablo Maia, with the 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder keen on moving to the Premier League. There is a chance that one of these clubs will make an approach to Sao Paulo for the rising star.

Pablo Maia is keen on a Premier League switch
Pablo Maia has made himself known following some impressive performances in the Brazilian Serie A with Sao Paulo. The 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder is a defensive midfielder by trade, and he is now attracting interest from Arsenal, Fulham, and West Ham from the Premier League.

The midfielder himself remains open to joining a club in England, as his comments suggest, with the Sao Paulo star insisting he had an offer earlier. He said, "I heard about an offer from an English club to Sao Paulo FC, and then another club inquired about a loan deal two windows back."

"The Premier League is played at the highest technical and intense level in the world, with players accustomed to the Champions League and World Cup. "It's a league that we dream of, set as a goal. Whenever I can, I watch the games and analyse how players in my position perform."

Arsenal, West Ham, and Fulham are a few of the English sides who have kept close tabs on the South American markets, particularly Brazil, over the past period. They could view Pablo Maia as a target of sorts. But there are chances they might switch on to other names.

While Maia would have dreams of making it to the Premier League, much will depend on how much Sao Paulo will demand from suitors in the summer. Ideally, Brazilian clubs do not like to sell their stars during the European summer period, meaning there are chances of any move getting pushed back until next January.

Where should Maia join?
Many top clubs, including Arsenal, are in the market for top-draw midfielders. The Gunners are in the chase for Martin Zubimendi, Frenkie De Jong and Douglas Luiz as their preferred targets, but they might see someone like Pablo Maia as a developmental star to come in and play a backup role.

However, his role might be different at clubs like West Ham or Fulham, as compared to Arsenal, where the 22-year-old Brazilian midfielder could get ample game time. Hence, should all three of those clubs come into the mix, Maia must make a concerted decision based on where he gets to play with regularity.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/02/17/arsenal-fulham-west-ham-united-eyeing-pablo-maia-swoop-player-wants-pl-move/

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Marco Silva criticises 'sloppy' Fulham in defeat to Aston Villa
Cottagers lose three-game unbeaten run as Ollie Watkins scores twice

Ollie Watkins' double helped Aston Villa to a 2-1 victory over a spirited Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The striker took his Premier League tally to 12 for the season and was the difference maker for Unai Emery's men in west London. Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz scored his fourth in three games but Villa dug in during the second half to claim all three points.

Villa fired an early warning shot when Watkins' goal was chalked off for offside. John McGinn slipped the attacker through but the linesman deemed him to have moved too soon as Fulham avoided an early scare.

Muniz started over illness-stricken Armando Broja up front and the Brazilian looked to continue his rich vein of form, getting on the end of Andreas Pereira's through ball before firing his effort over the bar.

After Fulham had a goal of their own ruled offside from a set-piece, Villa punished a series of errors and took the lead.

The usually reliable Antonee Robinson had a moment to forget when his throw-in put Willian under immense pressure at the back before Watkins powered the winger off the ball, marauding into the box and drilling his effort past Bernd Leno into the left-hand corner.

Fulham's sloppiness continued and Leon Bailey looked to inflict more misery on Robinson. The pacey Jamaica international turned the left-back inside out with intricate skill before his curved strike cannoned off the bar, much to the relief of Marco Silva's men.

The visitors turned the screw and doubled their lead through the clinical Watkins. Villa's No11 caught Issa Diop napping, finding a gap to get on the end of Youri Tielemans' pass before he picked his head up, paused and blasted his effort into his favourite left-hand post to claim a brace.

But after 63 minutes Fulham scored on the break to blow the game wide open. Robinson redeemed a poor a first half with a golden delivery from the left into the six-yard box, finding Muniz who poked the ball past Emiliano Martinez to give the Cottagers hope.

Silva turned to the bench in the form of Alex Iwobi and Adama Traore. Iwobi, fresh from his Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Nigeria, forced Martinez into action with a driven shot across goal before Traore ghosted Alex Moreno and tested the Villa defence with a dangerous cross. Traore went one-on-on during five added minutes but was denied by Martinez.

"We cannot concede the goals that we did this afternoon," Silva said.

"We were punished by the second goal, we were really sloppy in the way we defended that and it was a big punch to ourselves. It's disappointing for us. We need to be much more aggressive and not so soft, because we were soft."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-aston-villa-marco-silva-b1139822.html

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Player ratings from Fulham's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa – Iwobi and Wilson shine off the bench in defeat
A brace from former Brentford striker Ollie Watkins condemned Fulham to a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The England international struck in either half, with Rodrigo Muniz's fourth goal in three games not enough to rescue a point for the Whites.

Here are Dan Evans' player ratings from Craven Cottage.

Bernd Leno – 6

Had little to do throughout the game. Had no real chance at keeping out either of Watkins' goals.

Timothy Castagne – 6

Started the game well, moving into a central position to pick up Jacob Ramsey, but he was given a difficult afternoon from that point onwards with the Villa midfielder performing well. Became increasingly exposed in the second half as Fulham chased the game.

Issa Diop – 5

Moved out of position to try and halt Youri Tielemans in the build-up to Villa's second goal and ended up allowing Watkins to run off him and double his tally for the afternoon.

Tim Ream – 6

Nothing to complain about with the American's performance. Was slightly fortunate that Alex Moreno was just beyond him for a disallowed goal at a corner in the first half. Possibly telling that he was replaced by Calvin Bassey in the closing stages now the defender is back from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Antonee Robinson – 7

Set up Muniz's goal with a trademark run down the left wing. Cross was not his best but still gave the striker a chance to score. Given difficulty at times by Leon Bailey yet ended up making four tackles in another decent defensive showing.

Joao Palhinha –  6

Sometimes left to do too much on his own by a packed Villa midfield. Was left exposed for Villa's second goal with not enough help around him. Still managed to make four tackles but a booking for a late challenge on John McGinn in the second half means he is now on 10 for the season and will miss Fulham's next two games.

Tom Cairney – 7

Was typically classy despite Villa's set up allowing little space for him to thrive in. Still managed to rake a number of decent long passes out to either side of the pitch.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – 6

Struggled to get involved in the first half as Villa sat deep. Only managed to touch the ball 21 times throughout his 64 minutes on the pitch.

Andreas Pereira – 6

Another difficult performance to assess from Pereira. Involved in some of Fulham's good attacking play with intelligent movement and nice touches but all too often tried to rush things and ended up wasting promising positions.

Willian – 6

Came off at half-time. Showed a few flashes of quality but Villa's well-organised midfield made it hard for him to have much of an influence. Muscled off the ball on the edge of his own box in the lead up to Watkins' first goal.

Rodrigo Muniz – 6

Was busy and managed to get himself regularly involved in the game, scoring once more. However, his lack of composure in front of goal saw a couple of decent chances wasted in the first half.

Subs:

Alex Iwobi – 7

Was impressive from the moment he came on at the interval. Found intelligent positions to hurt Villa in midfield and was still heavily involved after moving to a more central position later on. Had a decent chance to level the game after being picked out by Harry Wilson.

Harry Wilson – 7

Managed to make three key passes in the half hour he spent on the pitch. Another good stint from the bench as Marco Silva's attacking midfield options continue to impress.

Adama Traore – 6

Was very involved after coming on late on but passed up Fulham's best chance to equalise after being played in by Muniz and failed to create any opportunites for a team-mate at the end of some characteristic dribbles.

Calvin Bassey – 6

A steady return to the team for Bassey, offering hope he can continue his fine form before he left for the AFCON.

Sasa Lukic – NA



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/player-ratings-from-fulhams-2-1-defeat-to-aston-villa-iwobi-and-wilson-shine-off-the-bench-in-defeat/

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'Not our best performance' – Marco Silva has his say on Fulham's defeat to Aston Villa
Marco Silva felt his Fulham side were not at their best in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

Two goals from Ollie Watkins condemned the Whites to defeat, with Rodrigo Muniz's second-half strike not enough to rescue anything from the game.

Silva's side more than matched the Champions League hopefuls for much of the contest, but the Whites' head coach felt defensive lapses were costly.

"It wasn't our best performance, particularly in the first half," he said.

"The first goal was huge. It gave them confidence and impacted the game, it meant they could control the game in a different way.

"We knew what we were capable of doing and our plan for the game; unfortunately, a goal can change everything.

"In the first half, we were not at our level, but there were not many chances for them either.

"At the beginning of the second half, we had some dangerous moments. We tried to control the game and play more narrowly in our defensive half.

"We were punished for the second goal. It was really sloppy the way we defended that moment, it was like a punch for ourselves, but after the reaction from the 2-1 [goal] we were like a completely different team.

"From that moment, only Fulham were on the pitch. We pushed them back, it was our obligation to equalise the game. We had chances but we missed them."

Muniz's poked finish from an Antonee Robinson cross means he now has four goals in his last three games, and the Brazilian looks to have made the starting striker berth his own.

Chelsea loanee Armando Broja missed the game due to illness, and Raul Jimenez is set to be out for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury.

Silva still believes the best is yet to come from the 22-year-old though.

"The goals are always important for him," said the Whites boss.

"He had some good moments, even in the first half he made some good moments.

"He understood the way we were trying to play, and I really believe he is going to improve.

"The room is so big for him to improve. He is a young lad playing his first games at this level. We cannot forget his age.

"He is making a big impact on our squad. He is helping the team to fight for results. I am pleased for him because he is a very good boy.

"He has skills and qualities to work with and it is my job to get the best out of him."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/not-our-best-performance-marco-silva-has-his-say-on-fulhams-defeat-to-aston-villa/

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Watkins double downs Fulham
It is seven years now since Fulham passed on the chance to sign Ollie Watkins when he was a promising forward at Exeter City – and the former Brentford striker came back to haunt the Whites with a ruthless double that put Aston Villa back on the road to Champions' League football at Craven Cottage this afternoon. The England international made light of having an early goal disallowed to score either side of half time to help Unai Emery's side return to winning ways in south west London, although Marco Silva's charges pushed them all the way having been reinvigorated by the latest manifestation of Rodrigo Muniz's predatory instincts.

Fulham were good value for a point but paid the penalty for failing to take good chances after Muniz poked home his fourth goal in three games having beaten Emiliano Martinez to Antonee Robinson's cross after the American international latched onto a lofted ball down the left flank from Tom Cairney. The Argentinian World Cup winner made amends to make sensational stops to thwart Alex Iwobi at the near post and deny former Villa winger Adama Traore at the start of stoppage time.

The home side took a while to get into their stride with Villa almost making the perfect start when Watkins raced onto a through ball from Leon Bailey to tuck an assured finish beyond the advancing Bernd Leno, only for an offside flag to belatedly confirm he had sneaked too far ahead of Tim Ream and Timothy Castagne. Fulham threatened from the free-kick, which led to a corner where Muniz climbed highest at the near post only to head wide of goal.

Muniz fashioned his first sight of goal with a beautiful bit of chest control that was swiftly followed by a powerful half volley that flew wide before a rasping drive drifted just over the crossbar after he had beaten Clement Lenglet to a through ball from Andreas Pereira. The home side then had a goal of their own chalked off when Tim Ream's instinctive finish from a well-worked free-kick was disallowed for offside against Joao Palhinha, before the Whites handed Watkins the opening goal when a ridiculous throw-in from Robinson was seized upon by Jacob Ramsey. The industrious midfielder sauntered away from Willian and slipped a pass through to Watkins, who turned into the penalty area, and placed a precise shot into the bottom corner of the net.

Fulham were already infuriated with the laissez-faire refereeing of Lewis Smith, at 30 the youngest top flight official since Michael Oliver in 2010, before he waved play on when Joao Palhinha was crumbled in a heap following a robust challenge. Villa almost made the most of a lack of a whistle as Bailey burst away from Robinson and bent a brilliant long-range effort onto the top of Leno's crossbar. Willian was far from his useful effervescent self on the Fulham left – and was replaced at half-time – but the Brazilian did supply a floated cross that Muniz nodded into the arms of Martinez ten minutes before the interval.

There was another lengthy VAR check after Alex Moreno had headed home a corner at the far post, but the Villa left back's joyous celebrations in front of the Hammersmith End were cut short as he was adjudged offside. Fulham pushed for a leveller before the end of the first half but Muniz headed a corner past the far post having soared impressively above the Villa defence. The hosts were fortunate some sloppy defending wasn't punished by a second goal in stoppage time when Watkins turned provider for Youri TIelemens with Leno spreading himself to thwart the former Leicester midfielder.

Iwobi immediately added energy to Fulham's forward line by replacing Willian at the start of the second half and set up Bobby De Cordova-Reid with a clever touch, but the home side's bright start after the resumption counted for little once Diop dallied on the ball and was ruthlessly punished by Watkins who sped onto a sharp pass from Tielemens to fire past a stranded Leno.

Fulham could have folded but they fought until the end. Their commitment was typified by the way Muniz provided a lifeline as he nipped in ahead of Martinez to prod Robinson's improvised cross into an unguarded net – and Silva's side might easily have completed the comeback. The Brazilian centre forward had a shot blocked before Harry Wilson rifled a volley fractionally over the bar from a clever Pereira free-kick. Muniz was incensed when his deflected shot flew wide of the goal and referee Smith awarded a goal kick, with the home side's late pressure forcing Martinez to demonstrate his world class status with instinctive stops to deny Iwobi and then Traore as Villa held on for a pressure three points.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, A. Robinson, Diop, Ream (Bassey 75); Palhinha (Lukic 89), Cairney; De Cordova-Reid (Wilson 64), Willian (Iwobi 45), Pereira (Traore 75); Muniz. Subs (not used): Rodak, Ballo-Toure, Adarabioyo, Reed.

BOOKED: Palhina, Castagne, Lukic, Traore, Wilson.

GOAL: Muniz (63).

ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Moreno (Digne 81), Torres, Lenglet; Luiz, Tielemens (Iroegbunam 90); Bailey (Diaby 81), Ramsey, McGinn; Watkins. Subs (not used): Olsen, Gauchy, Chambers, Kesler-Hayden, Zaniolo.

BOOKED: McGinn, Moreno.

GOALS: Watkins (23, 56).

REFEREE: Lewis Smith (Wigan).

ATTENDANCE: 24,401



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/watkins-double-downs-fulham/

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Silva slams 'sloppy' Fulham
Fulham head coach Marco Silva was disappointed with the defensive errors that handed Aston Villa a return to winning ways at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Portuguese boss felt his side were well below their usual level of performance and showed their Champions' League chasing opponents far too much respect before Rodrigo Muniz breathed life back into the contest after the hour mark.

Silva told his post-match press conference:

"It wasn't our best performance, particularly in the first half. The first goal was huge. It gave them confidence and impacted the game, it meant they could control the game in a different way. We knew what we were capable of doing and our plan for the game; unfortunately, a goal can change everything.

In the first half, we were not at our [usual] level, but there were not many chances for them either. At the beginning of the second half, we had some dangerous moments. We tried to control the game and play more narrowly in our defensive half.

We were punished for the second goal. It was really sloppy the way we defended that moment, it was like a punch for ourselves, but after the reaction from the 2-1 [goal] we were like a completely different team. From that moment, only Fulham were on the pitch. We pushed them back, it was our obligation to equalise the game. We had chances but we missed them."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/silva-slams-sloppy-fulham/

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Wrestling superstars spotted watching Fulham as Aston Villa poke fun at Tony Khan
Wrestling superstars were spotted alongside Tony Khan as Fulham lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon.

After a superb 3-1 win over Bournemouth last weekend, fans flocked to Craven Cottage in the hope of seeing another home victory.

This was a tougher test though and Villa took a 2-0 lead thanks to an Ollie Watkins brace.

Rodrigo Muniz continued his fine form with a goal back but it wasn't enough for Marco Silva to take anything from the game.

It's now just two wins in the last nine Premier League games for Fulham, which may leave some inside the club a little concerned.

AEW stars spotted alongside Tony Khan during Fulham defeat
Vice-chairman and director of football operations Tony Khan was in attendance on Saturday – and he didn't come alone.

Khan was spotted alongside two All Elite Wrestling stars with Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy both in the stands at Craven Cottage.

Khan is the founder and co-owner of AEW and he has even hinted art wanting to host a wrestling show at Fulham's home in the future.

We may well see more of this in the coming months as AEW build toward their big show at Wembley in August.

Bringing wrestlers to London will aid visibility ahead of that Wembley show and Khan's connections mean this could become more common.

Sadly, Fulham couldn't treat them to a victory this time and Aston Villa actually took the chance to mock Khan and co on social media.

Villa's official account posted a clip of Prince Nana – another AEW star – dancing with Villa fans chanting over the top.

That was certainly pointed towards Khan, Allin and Cassidy as Fulham couldn't quite get up off the mat and snatch a draw on Saturday.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/18/wrestling-superstars-spotted-watching-fulham-as-aston-villa-poke-fun-at-tony-khan/

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Marco Silva claims £6.8m Fulham ace has now become a 'good example'
Fulham boss Marco Silva has paid tribute to striker Rodrigo Muniz, suggesting that he is a great example to everyone at the club.

Fulham hosted Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon and sadly fell to a 2-1 defeat.

An Ollie Watkins brace had Fulham 2-0 down before Rodrigo Muniz restored hope with an opportunistic goal amid slack Villa defending.

Fulham did have chances to level it with Alex Iwobi, Harry Wilson and Adama Traore all had opportunities.

It just wasn't to be though as Fulham were unable to build on last weekend's win over Bournemouth.

Rodrigo Muniz praised
The man who got Fulham back into the game was Muniz, a player who has hit a real purple patch.

The Brazilian cost Fulham around £6.8million back in 2021 but he managed just five goals in his first season whilst supporting Aleksandar Mitrovic.

A loan move to Middlesbrough last season didn't exactly help as Muniz managed just two goals in 18 games.

Few expected Muniz to be a factor this season even after the sale of Mitrovic, with Raul Jimenez arriving and then Armando Broja joining in January.

Muniz has become a surprise package since the end of the January window though, smashing four goals in his last three games.

The 22-year-old can't stop scoring and boss Marco Silva has now offered praise to the striker on the club's official website.

When asked about who can replace Joao Palhinha following his 10th booking of the season, Silva highlighted Muniz as a 'great example'.

Silva believes that Muniz has stepped up perfectly, taking the responsibility with Jimenez out and others in the squad must follow his lead with Palhinha missing against Manchester United and Brighton.

"It is what it is. He's going to be out and another player has to step in. I think inside our football club, we have a good example with what's happened last two weeks with Rodrigo," said Silva.

"When everyone is making a big story about that situation, a player steps into the responsibility to get his chance. And he's doing really well and he's helping the team."

"It has to happen the same with another player that is going to be in João's position and to play the next games. That's all he can do, he can take the responsibility and step in and show his quality, because we have quality inside our squad to replace him," he added.

Jimenez and Broja will be back available soon enough but Muniz has now made himself a real contender for the starting spot in Silva's side.

Hopefully, this is a real corner turned for Muniz and he can make a long-lasting impact after a relatively slow start to his Fulham career.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/18/marco-silva-claims-6-8m-fulham-ace-has-now-become-a-good-example/