Monday Fulham Stuff - 19/02/24...

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Results

Sunday 18/02
Sheff Utd	0-5	Brighton
Luton	1-2	Man Utd

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Defensive errors cost Fulham dear
It is rare that Marco Silva castigates his players but the Fulham boss was scathing about the generosity of the defending that led to Aston Villa's win at Craven Cottage yesterday. He was right to describe the concession of two disappointing goals as unforgiveable – and the mistakes were even more maddening because the Whites were otherwise well in the game against one of the country's most consistent sides this season.

Antonee Robinson has had a terrific couple of campaigns as Fulham have proven much more competitive in the top tier than even our most ardent supporter might have hoped for, but there was no legislating for the American's brain fade yesterday. The home side had just recovered from a start where they had been worried by Ollie Watkins' pace and got a foothold in the contest when a very strange throw in gave the England international a glorious sight of goal. Robinson's throw was neither into space for Willian or to the feet of either centre half, putting the hosts immediately on the back foot.

The error seemed to knock Robinson's confidence for a while as well. The impact was noticeable as Leon Bailey beat him all ends up before bending a shot onto the frame of goal – and his crossing only recovered when he capitalised on Matty Cash switching off to set up another goal for Rodrigo Muniz with an instinctive touch before the ball went over the byline. By then, of course, Fulham were 2-0 down having given the in-form Watkins another opportunity to demonstrate his prowess in front of goal.

The Whites were all over the place for the second goal – with a dozy Issa Diop most culpable for wanting more time on the ball in his own final third. The philosophy of playing out from the back has reaped real rewards since Silva took over at the club three seasons ago, but even a possession-based approach demands that central defenders analyse the risks before taking an extra touch. The Frenchman then compounded his initial mistake by getting too tight to Watkins – and it really felt like that was that.

Fulham didn't collapse in the face of adversity but made a game of it, which was the real positive to come out of the afternoon. Muniz has suddenly – and slightly unbelievably for my money – turned into the sort of penalty box predator we've been searching for: he has to receive huge plaudits for improving his output, alongside Silva and the coaching staff who have obviously worked hard on his raw potential at Motspur Park. On another day, the Whites might have mustered a point, especially with Alex Iwobi and Adama Traore going close late on.

There was a pleasing return from the bench for Calvin Bassey and Iwobi after their AFCON exertions. Both, whatever the Nigerian keyboard worries claim, made a tangible difference to the Super Eagles' route to the final in Ivory Coast, and they have been crucial to Fulham's best form of the season. Iwobi lifted Fulham's performance in the second half yesterday and might have scored when he got free in the box. There was even an encouraging cameo from Sasa Lukic, with the Serbian's driving run and a peach of a pass from Muniz setting up Traore for a chance the substitute should have done better with.

Silva can take heart from the fact that Fulham's threadbare squad shouldn't be significantly stretched for the remainder of the season. The encouraging thing from this defeat is that, despite shooting ourselves in the foot twice, Fulham pushed Unai Emery's side all the way. Having the likes of Bassey, Iwobi and Traore available will give the head coach options off the bench that have been lacking in the past and they will be more options in attack as well once Armando Broja has recovered from the illness that ruled him out of contention yesterday. There are reasons to be cheerful – even if the overriding emotion immediately after the final whistle was one of immense disappointment.

Any analysis of yesterday's game cannot conclude with a word on the referee. Lewis Smith was the third Premier League debutant to officiate a Fulham fixture this season – and he was comfortably the worst. There was a bemusing moment early in the second period where he failed to penalise Emi Martinez for clearing handling a backpass but that paled into insignificance with the ridiculous decision to award a goalkick when Muniz's shot deflected off a Villa defender. Regrettably, the referee had lost control of the contest long before the end, when he booked five Fulham players in the final eight minutes but failed to caution Martinez for timewasting despite a number of warnings for the time the Argentinian was taking over the goal kicks.

Smith clearly wasn't the reason that Fulham lost this game, but if the PGMOL are serious about improving officiating in this country – rather than just becoming a cartel for underperforming referees – they will need to look at the process by which they allocate top flight fixtures. We hear all the time about the Premier League product and that it is the best league in the world. If the Premier League is the pinnacle of the English game, how do eight EFL matches represent an appropriate apprenticeship? Nobody is well served by seeing young officials flounder on the big stage, least of all Smith himself.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/defensive-errors-cost-fulham-dear/

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Manchester United now don't have to face the best tackler in the Premier League next Saturday
After Luton Town, Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag absolutely loves playing Fulham. So far from four fixtures, three Premier League and one FA Cup, the Red Devils have emerged victorious on all occasions.

Nevertheless, no game in the league is an easy one, as Manchester United fans know all too well this season already.

Saying this, the game has got a whole lot easier with a suspension that came to fruition on Saturday.

Joao Palhinha out of Manchester United clash
In Fulham's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, Joao Palhinha was yellow-carded in the 86th minute.

This was his 10th booking of the season, meaning that he is now serving a two-game suspension, which conveniently for Manchester United is their clash next Saturday.

Good news for United, and very bad news for Fulham.

Joao Palhinha is the best tackler in the Premier League
Palhinha is an absolute monster. There's a reason Bayern Munich were desperate to sign him in the summer and a reason he's hot on the radar of many other clubs – including Manchester United.

He's established himself as one of the best in the business in England's top flight, but even if you don't take our word for it, the proof is in the pudding.

According to Sofa Score, Palhinha is by far and away the best tackler in the league. He averages 4.8 tackles a game, a Premier League high. Dominance.

Tackles per game Premier League 23/24
Joao Palhinha: 4.8
Vinicius Souza: 3.9
Joao Gomes: 3.4
Yves Bissouma: 3.2
Nicolas Dominguez: 3.2

He's Fulham's core, and without him, they're not the same – perfect for when they visit Manchester.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/manchester-united-now-dont-have-to-face-the-best-tackler-in-the-premier-league-after-luton-clash/

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Fulham made contact to sign 'very dangerous' winger, now he's in red-hot form
Fulham could rekindle an interest in Bologna winger Riccardo Orsolini having targeted a move for him last summer.

Marco Silva and co had a fairly quiet January transfer window, leaving it late to add just the one signing.

Armando Broja arrived on loan from Chelsea before the deadline with spending on permanent signings delayed until the summer.

Fulham may have targets in mind for the summer though and one Serie A star could yet be back on the wish list...

Riccardo Orsolini contact claimed
Calciomercato in Italy now claim that Fulham made 'initial contacts' to try and sign Orsolini, seemingly making a move last summer.

It's stated that Serie A trio Lazio, Napoli and Fiorentina all rivalled Fulham for his signature at the time, as did Fenerbahce.

Orsolini stayed at Bologna and has enjoyed a superb season, racking up nine goals in 20 Serie A games.

The 27-year-old right winger has been especially impressive of late with five goals in his last five appearances.

Calciomercato suggest that the interested clubs from 2023 may 'come back into fashion' this summer with Fulham potentially keen again.

Who is Bologna star Orsolini?
Orsolini started in the ranks of hometown club Ascoli before being spotted and snapped up by Juventus in 2017.

Juve loaned Orsolini out to Atalanta for a fairly disappointing spell before heading to Bologna in 2018.

A tricky wide man, Orsolini has now racked up 45 goals in 160 appearances for Bologna and continues to shine in Serie A.

Hailed as 'very dangerous' by boss Thiago Motta, Orsolini has been a driving force in an impressive Bologna side this season.

Luring him away from Bologna won't be easy but if Silva wants another wide man who can make a huge impact coming from the right flank, Orsolini may well be the man.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/18/fulham-made-contact-to-sign-very-dangerous-winger-now-hes-in-red-hot-form/

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Brazilian talent leaves door open as Fulham transfer links won't go away
Sao Paulo midfielder Pablo Maia has admitted his interest in a Premier League move amid lingering links with a move to Fulham.

Fulham would be wise to have midfield targets in mind for the summer transfer window.

Portugal star Joao Palhinha continues to shine in the Fulham engine room and is bound to attract interest.

Having potential replacements in mind would be smart and we have seen strong rumours surrounding Fluminense midfielder Andre.

Fulham could yet look elsewhere in Brazil though and Sao Paulo talent Pablo Maia is a name to keep close tabs on...

Pablo Maia transfer stance
Maia rumours first emerged in October 2022 as Brazilian reports suggested that Fulham were keen on a £5million move.

The speculation returned in October 2023 with reporter Jorge Nicola claiming that Fulham and West Ham are battling for Maia ahead of the January window.

No deal was done in January but Maia has now commented on his own future.

Maia has told the Daily Mail that he would love to play in the Premier League and it's a dream to play against players of such high quality.

Maia noted that he heard an English club made an offer for him, but seemingly isn't sure just who made that move.

The 22-year-old has left the door to a summer move open, which may well be of interest inside Fulham.

"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," said Maia. "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."

"My dreams are focused on my goals here at Sao Paulo. I'm sure that with our team's excellent collective performance, it will contribute to my individual performance. If offers come in the middle of the year and are good for the team and for me as a career project, that could happen," he added.

Maia has racked up more than 125 appearances for Sao Paulo, playing almost exclusively as a holding midfield player.

The Brazilian may be viewed as a potential heir to Palhinha and he will certainly be on Fulham's radar ahead of the summer.

Much will depend on Palhinha's future and whether he stays put or not, but Maia's come-and-get-me plea will surely have been noticed at Craven Cottage.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/18/brazilian-talent-leaves-door-open-as-fulham-transfer-links-wont-go-away/

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Ex-Arsenal misfit delivers verdict on 'amazing' Fulham
Fulham wide man Willian has called the club 'amazing' having rebuilt his career after a difficult spell with Arsenal.

Eyebrows were raised when Fulham pounced to sign Willian back in the summer of 2022.

The Brazilian had bags of Premier League experience but had completely flopped following a 2020 move to Arsenal.

Willian headed back to Brazil after having his Arsenal contract ripped up and many expected him to see out his career with Corinthians.

Fulham had other ideas though, luring Willian back to London on a one-year deal.

Marco Silva's faith paid off as Willian impressed last season, earning himself another year at Craven Cottage.

Willian reflects on 'amazing' Fulham transfer
Willian underwent a medical with Nottingham Forest last summer but had a change of heart, staying put at Fulham.

There was even Saudi Arabian interest which would have seen Willian earn a huge £200,000-a-week, but the deal couldn't be agreed with Al Shabab.

Willian has stayed put and has remained a creative threat, recording 31 key passes in 21 games.

The 35-year-old has bagged four goals and two assists this season but could leave the club with his contract up this summer.

Willian has now told The Telegraph that he thinks Fulham is an 'amazing club' and he is actually enjoying himself after a bleak time at Arsenal.

Willian believes that he has turned his career around even at this late stage and believes his move to Fulham has been the key factor.

"When I left Arsenal everyone knows it was not good. It was a difficult year for me," said Willian. "I decided to leave and, at that time, I still had two more years contract and I just said to them 'listen, let's break the contract. It has not worked the way we wanted. I will go somewhere else and I will continue to play football'. I turned the situation around and, now, three years later I am at this club, enjoying myself. It's an amazing club, to be honest," he added.

Fulham will soon have to make a decision on Willian's contract.

The playmaker remains a threat in the final third but it may be another one-year offer on the table given his age.

Willian seems happy at Fulham despite his flirting with Forest and Al Shabab and if an offer is on the table, we would expect him to sign it.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/02/18/ex-arsenal-misfit-delivers-verdict-on-amazing-fulham/

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Swansea City got the better of eight-figure Fulham deal: View
Swansea City will be pleased at their end of the deal when they sold Alfie Mawson to Fulham in 2018, given how his career went after leaving.

    Alfie Mawson's impressive performances at Swansea earned him a move to Fulham after relegation.
    Mawson's time at Fulham was marred by recurring knee injuries, limiting his playing time.
    The Englishman retired from football at the age of 29 due to the extent of his knee issues.

Alfie Mawson had an impressive spell with Swansea City from 2016 to 2018, earning him a huge move to Fulham following the Swans' relegation from the Premier League.

While he saw his side fail to beat the drop, the English defender was one of the key players for the South Wales side that season. He impressed for the club since joining from Barnsley two years prior, becoming one of the highlights in a poor Swans side.

In his two seasons at the club, Mawson played 65 times in the Premier League for Swansea. This included playing every minute in their final year in the top flight, which was enough to impress England manager Gareth Southgate and earn a call-up to the national side.

Despite his impressive performances, the Swans suffered relegation back to the Championship after seven years, meaning that a number of their top players needed to be sold in the summer following.

Mawson joined Fulham after Swansea's relegation
Mawson was excellent during the club's last year in the Premier League, earning himself a move straight back to the Premier League.

Fulham paid a reported £15 million fee for the centre-back, which at the time was one of the highest fees the club had ever paid for a player.

Having recently been promoted to the Premier League, the club brought in Mawson to try and avoid relegation straight back down, despite him being relegated with Swansea the year prior.

Despite starting every game for Swansea in their last Premier League season, Mawson missed the beginning of the campaign for Fulham, in what would be the beginning of a recurring knee problem that would blight his time at Craven Cottage.

While he did manage 13 starts in his debut season, an injury just after Christmas 2018 forced him to miss the majority of the campaign. Losing one of their most expensive signings was a huge loss for the Cottagers, and they were eventually relegated back down to the Championship.

This meant Mawson had back-to-back relegations under his belt, although many would have hoped that a drop-down to the second tier could help him regain his fitness and his confidence in a less pressured environment.

The Englishman did manage this, playing every single match for Fulham up until January, before another knee injury effectively ended his career at Craven Cottage. He played just 52 matches in four years at the club, less than he played in half the time at Swansea.

Alfie Mawson's later career
Sadly, Mawson suffered some major injury issues after moving to Fulham, which eventually ended his career in football. While he has had trouble with his knees since he was 18, his consistency at Swansea made him look like he'd turned a corner, but sadly, that was not to be.

After struggling with his fitness at Fulham, the former Swansea star went out on loan to Bristol City. Sadly, injuries to both his knees saw him limited to just 11 league matches for the Robins in a disappointing spell at the club.

The Englishman left Fulham when his contract expired in 2022, joining Wycombe Wanderers on a free transfer. This would be his final club, as injuries continued to impede his ability to play football regularly, even as he dropped down the divisions to try and salvage his career.

During his sole season in League One with the Blues, Mawson played just 20 times in the league. While he managed a consistent run of games up until Christmas, Mawson was soon struck down by a knee injury once again.

In 2023, Mawson announced his retirement from football. Despite being rated highly early on in his career, injuries took a big toll on him. Doctors warned him that he should never even run again, which meant that his career in football was sadly over at the age of just 29.

While nobody is pleased to see a promising young player's career ravaged by injuries, Swansea will certainly be feeling better than Fulham about the transfer of Mawson in 2018.

Mawson played his best football in South Wales, and the injuries did not take their toll until he moved to Fulham in the summer of 2018. Swansea sold the defender at exactly the right time, while his value was maximized and the extent of his knee issues were not known.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/swansea-city-got-the-best-of-fulham-in-alfie-mawson-deal/

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AFCON: Online harassment, cyberbullying overtaking the Nigerian space
Browsing the word 'cyberbullying' on Google and seeing 'Alex Iwobi' as the search result is worrying. Alex Iwobi is now the cornerstone and the garri soaking the disappointment and rage of Nigerians who recently got a silver medal from AFCON.

Super Eagles Skipper, Ahmed Musa, had urged Nigerians to halt the cyberbullying directed towards Alex Iwobi, a midfielder for the Nigerian team. The Super Eagles had given the AFCON cup to the Ivory Coast on Sunday and Iwobi was picked as a major cause of the failure for Netizens. It was obvious that the negativity hurled at Iwobi was massive and dehumanizing. According to the report gathered from the online sphere, most netizens believe that Iwobi played for the Super Eagles because of familial connections to Jay Jay Okocha, one of Africa's greatest footballers and not because he was capable.

The use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another individual is known as cyberbullying. Threats made online as well as nasty, combative, or nasty texts, tweets, posts, or communications all qualify. Posting private and spiteful images, videos, or other content with the intention of hurting or embarrassing someone else also counts and this is what is happening right now to Iwobi following the loss of the AFCON Cup on Sunday night.

As a public figure, it is expected that you will receive lots of criticisms but receiving insults, threats, spiteful words and blame for the failure of a national team who went to the finals through luck is outrageous. We complain of the negative effects of social media but it is still we human beings that make it toxic for our fellow human beings. Cyberbullying is a serious crime that has grave consequences especially on the image of a person and the mental health of victims. It could also lead to suicidal attempts and emotional disturbances.

Summatively, it seems Alex Iwobi is the main reason why Nigerians lost the cup. We forgot the coach, other players and a government that could not deem it fit to supply electricity for Nigerians to watch their beloved country on an Ivorian field. There is a big difference when I tell you that "Thank you for playing for the Nigerian team. I appreciate your patriotism and desire to serve the country through football. However, I don't think yesterday's night was your best. Even if connections worked for you, I believe you have the talents and skills that can be improved upon for the best of you and for Nigeria as a whole. Wishing you the best."  and "You are a useless goat. You were just playing rubbish. See you ugly thing. See as you made Nigeria look stupid on the field." This is from two different mindsets who wanted to criticise something but because of who they are within, the output is different.

Logging in to Twitter and seeing a Twitter user calling Alex Iwobi a very useless player with a pointless ponytail is disheartening. Another online user had wished Alex wasn't born so he wouldn't play for Super Eagles. Truly, a prophet (footballer) is not welcome in his own house. Online Nigerian users calling their brother useless, a fool and an animal because of the loss is heartbreaking for the Nigerian spirit that was positive days ago before the finals.

An X (Twitter) user, Eric Okafor, had blamed the cause of the toxicity on social media influencers. In his words, "We love Alex Iwobi and we are more proud of him. This is what happens when you people let influencers gaslight you into being as toxic as social media allows. How else will they justify regulating social media? Pick sense today." Another Twitter user blamed two popular social media influencers, and for starting the bullying. "Nigerians are very toxic", a user of Twitter account commented.

This was done to Uzoho, Bukayo and many other public figures in the past and it is fast becoming a normal culture – a culture of bitterness and hate. We have to caution influencers and opinion makers to mind what they instigate their followers to do just for the sake of engagement. Not respecting a fellow human and using him or her as an object to engage more followers or make money is barbaric.

Alex, wherever you are, you did the right thing by going off from social media. Who sees a raging fire and would not run? It's not pleasant to come online and see your name trending with negativity and majority of the people you are representing are spitting hate in words and pictures. Take off from social media, travel, be close to God and recover from the online shock. I am with the X (Twitter) user, SarkinFoto on this one, 'we are united against negativity'.



https://guardian.ng/opinion/afcon-online-harassment-cyberbullying-overtaking-the-nigerian-space/

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Actonians ease past Fulham in quarter final
Actonians avenged their FA Cup defeat by Fulham earlier this season with a comfortable 3-1 victory in yesterday afternoon's Capital Cup quarter final at Rectory Park.

The tie was in doubt until this before kick off because heavy overnight rain had left the pitch waterlogged, but an outstanding mopping operation made the match playable. The hosts began brighter putting the Fulham defence under sustained pressure from the outset, with Steve Jaye's side only enjoying prolonged possession in their own half. Ellie Parker palmed away Dominika Netschova's tenth-minute drive before the lively Jasmine Williamson drove just wide after a strong individual run into the Fulham area.

Fulham continued to try and play out from the back and they proved to be the architects of their own downfall midway through the first half. Netschova seized on a mistake from Megalie Mendes to drive at the Fulham defence before picking out Tori St. Clair with a precise pass. The centre forward, who had timed her run to perfection, placed her shot perfectly past Parker and into the far corner to give A's a deserved lead.

It could have been two shortly afterwards. Olivia Clement almost got on the end of a floated free-kick from Mara Bramwell before St. Clair missed a glorious opportunity to put clear water between the sides. The striker, a constant menace throughout, was released by a clever through ball from Williamson and skipped around Parker but skewed her shot well wide of goal from four yards out.

The visitors then enjoyed their best spell of the contest. Ella Tagliavini's pass sent Georgia Heasman away down the right flank and her low cross was touched wide of the near post by Sasha Adamson, who had made a great run across the near post. Heasman, who like the rest of the Fulham front three had been starved of service in the proceeding half an hour, also tested Amber Taylor with an effort from outside the area – but Fulham were unable to keep up the pressure.

Devastatingly, they conceded a critical second goal deep into first half stoppage time. Netschova, who was outstanding in a unfamiliar right back role, was the provider once again – after Fulham had coughed up possession along their left flank – and Roschelle Shakes produced an unerring finish to give the Whites a mountain to climb. Jaye made changes at half time, bringing on Oliva Dale and Lily Lambird, and Fulham's forward line began to see more of the ball but they conceded a sloppy third goal just after the hour mark.

St. Clair embarked on a mazy dribble down the right flank, beat Cat Beaver for pace and cut inside before surprising Parker with a shot past the Fulham goalkeeper at her near post. The visitors did not buckle, to their immense credit, and found a way back into the contest five minutes later. Heasman did brilliantly to tuck away Adamson's ball having evaded the attentions of the Actonians back three and the Cottagers kept up the pressure until the final whistle – without any further reward. Chloe Christisson-McNee and Mendes shot wide with late efforts before Amber Dredge drilled over the bar herself with a minute to play.

ACTONIANS LFC (4-3-3): Taylor; Netschova (Dredge 55), Meade, Bramwell, Clement; D'Santos, Graham, Orozco (Mohamed 74); St. Clair (Hanif 90+1), Williamson (Ebine 90+2), Shakes (O'Reilly 88).

GOALS: St. Clair (21, 62), Shakes (45+3).

FULHAM FC WOMEN (3-4-3): Parker; Southgate (Dale 45), Tagliavini, Beaver; Parsonson (Allen 57), Mendes, Barron-Clarke (Lambird 45), Christison-McNee; Heasman, Adamson, Manzi (Buchele 65). Subs (not used): Gibbs.

GOAL: Heasman (67).



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/02/actonians-ease-past-fulham-in-quarter-final/