Sunday Fulham Stuff - 03/03/24...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Saturday 02/03
Brentford	2-2	Chelsea
Everton	1-3	West Ham
Fulham	3-0	Brighton
Wilson Muniz Traoré
Newcastle	3-0	Wolves
Forest	0-1	Liverpool
Spurs	3-1	Palace
Luton	2-3	Villa

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 3-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
Manager Marco Silva praised in-form striker Rodrigo Muniz after he scored and assisted to help Fulham beat Brighton in the Premier League at Craven Cottage.

Harry Wilson beautifully curled in the opener to set Fulham on their way following tenacious work from Muniz to win the ball high up the field.

It was roles reversed for the second as Wilson returned the favour when delivering a teasing ball for Muniz to convert with his head from six yards out. It was his fifth goal of the season, with all of those strikes coming in the past five games.

"He is improving, improving and improving," Silva said.

"We are working on many things and he's getting better. It was a great goal from him. We know he is strong if we provide in those areas.

"The way he linked the game was great too. He was really important throughout the game and it was another important performance.

"That's not a surprise for us because he did it last weekend too."

Despite there being two goals in the first half, there were large periods of meandering and dull football, with Brighton enjoying 70% of possession but struggling to create meaningful chances.

The game opened up and became a more exciting spectacle at both ends after half-time as Brighton brought on attacking duo Simon Adingra and Ansu Fati and committed bodies to the attack in search of a route back into the game.

Evan Ferguson had two big opportunities to score, with his first effort rolling agonisingly wide of the far post and his second well saved by a sprawling Bernd Leno, while substitute Facundo Buonanotte struck the base of a post.

With every Brighton outfield player in opposition territory as the game ticked into additional time, Fulham won the ball on the halfway line through Bobby de Cordova-Reid, who raced forward and squared for Adama Traore to score his first goal for the club.

Fulham stay 12th in the table and Brighton drop to ninth.

Fulham build on Old Trafford success
After last weekend's dramatic late win at Manchester United, Fulham ensured that hard work was not going to waste as they recorded back-to-back wins in the league for only the second time this season.

Silva deployed an unchanged starting XI for the visit of Brighton and that decision was rewarded as the Cottagers claimed another three points, ensuring they maintain their record of never losing to the Seagulls in the Premier League - winning four and drawing four.

Muniz once again demonstrated his importance to the side as he deputises for injured striker Raul Jimenez, scoring and assisting before leaving the field late in the game to a warm reception from the Fulham fans.

Jimenez was replaced by Muniz at half-time in the goalless draw against Everton on 31 January after suffering a hamstring injury, and reclaiming his spot in Fulham's starting line-up might prove difficult.

Muniz is in a rich vein of form and has helped Fulham enjoy their most consistent run of the campaign - they have lost only one of their past six league games, with three wins.

The Brazilian scored his first league goal of the season on 3 February in a 2-2 draw at Burnley, but has since chipped in with two in a win against Bournemouth, one in a loss to Aston Villa and another in the triumph over Brighton.

Not only did Muniz get on the scoresheet but his hard work and endeavour helped Wilson to score the opener.

Muniz showed strength and bravery as he stooped to head the ball away from Adam Webster and into the path of Wilson, who caressed the ball beyond Jason Steele with his left foot for his third league goal of the season.

With a two-goal cushion, Fulham knew that Brighton would have to attack more aggressively in the second half, but they stood firm and played some lovely counter-attacking football, eventually grabbing their third in that fashion as Traore calmly rolled the ball beyond Steele.

Brighton fall well short
Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi said some of his players were struggling with fatigue after they lost 1-0 against Wolves in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday.

The Italian made seven changes to his starting XI against Fulham, with Pascal Gross, who suffered with cramp at Molineux, one of those dropping to bench.

With a last-16 first-leg tie at Roma to come, De Zerbi appears to lack the depth in his squad to rotate and this week's news that Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma is out for the season has not helped matters.

It was a typical Brighton performance for the most part, with the ball almost glued to the feet of their players for large periods, but they did not have the creative spark required to cause problems in the final third during the first half and were made to pay on the counter.

They did threaten to get on the scoresheet after the break, with Ferguson having two sights at goal, but the Republic of Ireland striker's barren run in front of goal continued - he has not scored in 19 games in all competitions.

This is the second game in a five-match run during the space of 16 days for Brighton.

Two of those fixtures are against Roma, and De Zerbi will need his players to brush this result quickly to one side as they look to avoid slipping into a rut.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68389649

[WhiteJC]

Post-Brighton Press Conference
Marco Silva was very satisfied to see his match preparation play out perfectly against Brighton on Saturday.

Our Head Coach spoke this week of the Seagulls' dominance in possession, but they couldn't live with Fulham's ruthless pressing on this occasion, succumbing to a 3-0 defeat at Craven Cottage.

"We have to be pleased," Silva said afterwards. "I'm pleased for all the players, for the fans as well.

"I'm really happy because we deserved the three points, to win at home with a clean sheet is really important for us, is a great feeling.

"And to have back-to-back wins in the Premier League is really tough – when you play away from home at Old Trafford, and then have Brighton at home as well. We wanted to get back to winnings ways at home after the Villa match, it was really important for us.

"But I was really positive, our week was really good. As you would expect, the mood at the Training Ground was really good. But not just the mood, in terms of quality, commitment, and the desire from the players to do the right things. And that was really positive.

"We knew that it was going to be a difficult match – Brighton has the capacity to have long moments of possession, even if they are not around your box. Lots of passes between central defenders, they use the goalkeeper well. Both goalkeepers are like another player because they are really good with their feet.

"The game was going to demand from us the right moments to press, the right moments to jump in that pressure, and to be really well organised. First half, in that aspect, was almost perfect, I have to say. They didn't create one chance all the first half.

"We were clinical with the two goals that we scored. The first one after a very good moment from Rodrigo with the way he won the ball, and amazing finish from Harry.

"And the second goal is almost a perfect team goal – the way we built from the goalkeeper until the last moment with the ball passing between our three midfielders, was almost a perfect goal that myself as a manager, the players, have to be proud of.

"It was something that we prepared, and when you see that happening on the pitch it's a great feeling.

"Almost perfect first half, little bit different the second – we started well, we had two or three moments to score the third goal and completely kill the game. We didn't, and of course they pushed some players a little bit more back, our pressure was not so effective.

"They had some moments but throughout the game we were always looking for their goal, every time we won the ball we were really dangerous as well.

"And, in the end, we scored the third with Adama to have back-to-back wins and the clean sheet, which was really important for us. Great afternoon for us."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/march/02/post-brighton-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Aston Villa, Fulham, Everton vying for Callum O'Hare

Aston Villa, Fulham and Everton are reportedly keen on signing 25-year-old English midfielder Callum O'Hare from Coventry City.
A report from The Sun has claimed that Aston Villa, Fulham, and Everton are keen on 25-year-old Coventry City attacking midfielder Callum O'Hare.

O'Hare here has been outstanding for Coventry City this season, and he is available on a free transfer at the end of the season. His contract comes to an end in the summer, and the player has rejected the opportunity to sign an extension.

Coventry City will certainly be disappointed to lose a player of his quality on a free transfer. But they are powerless to stop him from leaving. The midfielder returns to action from a serious injury blow back in October, and he has already picked up nine goals and four assists across all competitions.

It is no surprise that the top Premier League clubs have been keeping tabs on him. Aston Villa need more goals and creativity from the middle of the park, and the 25-year-old would be a quality addition. Villa are currently pushing for Champions League qualification, and they will be an attractive destination for the player if they manage to secure European football.

Meanwhile, Fulham have also sent scouts to watch the player in action. They have shown interest in several midfielders, including Pablo Maia. As far as Everton are concerned, they are in desperate need of quality reinforcements.

The Toffees are currently fighting for their survival in the Premier League, and they will need to improve their squad immensely at the end of the season. It will be interesting to see if they can beat the drop this season.

If they go down to the Championship in the summer, they might struggle to attract the Coventry City midfielder. The 25-year-old will look to take the next step in his career, and he will not want to join a club in the championship.

Aston Villa could have an advantage
Aston Villa could have an advantage in the chase. The 25-year-old midfielder came through the ranks at Aston Villa before leaving them for Coventry City in July 2020. The opportunity to return to his boyhood club could be a tempting proposition. Signing him on a free transfer would represent a major bargain for the West Midlands club, and they should look to get the deal done as soon as possible.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2024/03/02/aston-villa-fulham-everton-vying-for-callum-ohare/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 3-0 Brighton: Rodrigo Muniz nets fifth goal in five games with bullet header and Adama Traore scores first for club as hosts build on win at Man United and dent Seagulls' Euro push

    Harry Wilson curled in the opener before Rodrigo Muniz headed home
    Adama Traore finished off a swift counter attack to seal victory late on

There is a certain irony that Fulham spent January searching the transfer market for a goal scorer, only to find they had one sitting at home the entire time.

Rodrigo Muniz's scoring run started two days after the window shut, away at Burnley, and continued emphatically here. His industry created Harry Wilson's opener. His instinct got the second, as he nodded in Wilson's whipped delivery.

That's five goals in five now for the Brazilian, a remarkable run considering he hadn't scored all season before February.

For Marco Silva's Fulham side, this victory represents some dearly-needed consistency, backing up their away win over Manchester United last week to ensure they recorded back-to-back wins for only the second time this season.

With Brighton travelling to Rome on Thursday for the first European knockout tie in their history, perhaps Roberto De Zerbi could be forgiven for keeping half an eye on the trip to his homeland. He rang the changes here, with only two survivors from the midweek defeat by Wolves. The league's top assist maker, Pascal Gross, was surprisingly left on the bench.


Fulham winger Harry Wilson opened the scoring against Brighton in the 21st minute
 

Wilson cut in from the right and curled a left-footed strike into the corner of the net

Still, the Italian will view this as a chance to move within a point of sixth-placed Manchester United wasted, with the defensive frailties of an experienced back line a particular concern.

Brighton settled into a familiar pattern, with plenty of possession but little penetration as Fulham looked to break quickly when given the chance.

Muniz was making a menace of himself at every long ball, and it paid off just after the 20-minute mark when Fulham lumped it forward and Muniz had the beating of Adam Webster in the air.

As the ball ran loose he nipped in ahead before Estupinan to play in Wilson.

The defending was sloppy, the finish was anything but. Wilson cut inside and bent a left-footed effort well past Jason Steele.

Adam Lallana and Julio Enciso went close with long-range efforts that both fizzed just over the bar, but Brighton's early control of proceedings was slipping and Muniz and Wilson soon combined again to double the lead.

Pereira started the move, driving through the middle and playing to Harrison Reed, who found Wilson on the right. Wilson's cross was inch-perfect, whipped onto the head of Muniz, who was never likely to miss during this rich vein of form.


Rodrigo Muniz (right) doubled Fulham's advantage with a bullet header in the 32nd minute


Wilson's cross was headed home by Muniz as the forward bagged his fifth goal in five games

Wilson was being given plenty of space down the right-hand side and twice had the chance to put Brighton out of sight just after the break, first with an effort slid just wide and then with a blocked effort at the near post after more fine work from Muniz.

Brighton were all at sea at the back and were carved open again as Andreas Pereira broke the high line but dithered when one-on-one with Steele

While De Zerbi's starting XI may look very different in Rome on Thursday, it will concern him that the back three of Webster, Lewis Dunk and Joel Veltman, three stalwarts of the last campaign, struggled so much here.

Dunk was withdrawn before the hour and on came Gross, with a salvation job on his hands.

However, they almost grabbed a lifeline as Adam Lallana played Evan Ferguson through but his dinked effort rolled inches wide.

The Irishman hasn't scored since November, and his frustration was evident as he hunched over, hands on his knees.

Another chance arrived for Ferguson five minutes later and another chance was wasted as he found space in the box but his shot flew straight at Leno.

Gross's introduction had at least injected some impetus into Brighton's play as they searched for a way back into the game.

Substitute Facundo Buonanotte came closest to scoring with 12 minutes to go, with an effort struck against the bottom of Leno's post.


Adama Traore finished off a swift counter attack to score his first goal for Fulham
 

Evan Ferguson saw one effort roll just past the post and second well saved by Bernd Leno

Brighton left spaces at the back, and were punished again in stoppage time as Adama Traore, with fresh legs, broke free and put the exclamation mark on a convincing result.

Muniz was withdrawn with seven minutes to go to a standing ovation from Craven Cottage. His replacement was Armando Broja, the man Fulham signed on deadline day to solve the problem of getting the ball into the net.

Instead, it is Muniz providing those answers and Broja may be limited to substitute appearances for the foreseeable future.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13149031/Fulham-3-0-Brighton-Rodrigo-Muniz-nets-fifth-goal-six-games-bullet-header-Adama-Traore-scores-club-hosts-build-win-Man-United-dent-Seagulls-Euro-push.html

[WhiteJC]

Muniz strikes again as Fulham beat Brighton
The in-form Rodrigo Muniz scored his fifth goal in as many matches – as Fulham made it back-to-back wins.

Two goals in 11 first-half minutes put the Whites in control, with Harry Wilson opening the scoring before Muniz doubled their lead. Adama Traore's late third sealed a resounding victory.

Muniz created the opener, pouncing on Adam Webster's weak header and then finding Wilson, who brilliantly curled a shot beyond keeper Jason Steele from near the edge of the penalty area.

The same players combined for the second goal, with Muniz scoring with a fine header from Wilson's cross.

Fulham, winners at Manchester United last weekend, should have added a third after the interval but Wilson dragged a shot wide after being set up by Sasa Lukic.

Facundo Buonanotte went close to pulling a goal back for Brighton when his late strike hit the post.

And in stoppage time, after Brighton gave the ball away, Traore was sent through by fellow substitute Bobby De Cordova-Reid and slotted home.
Fulham: Leno, Bassey, Adarabioyo, Castagne, Robinson, Lukic (De Cordova-Reid 90), Reed, Iwobi (Willian 69), Pereira (Cairney 69), Wilson (Traore 84), Muniz (Broja 84).
Subs not used: Rodak, Tete, Ballo-Toure, Ream, De Cordova-Reid.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/sport/muniz-strikes-again-as-fulham-beat-brighton

[WhiteJC]

Under-18s beaten at Fulham
Norwich City Under-18s were beaten 5-0 by their Fulham counterparts in the Under-18 Premier League South.

The home side took the lead after six minutes, as Aaron Loupalo-Bi found the bottom corner from close range.

Four minutes later, it was two. Loupalo-Bi grabbed his, and Fulham's second, as they took control of the game.

Fulham added their third through Thomas Olyott, who found the top corner from a tight angle.

It would be four before half-time, as Fulham extended their lead via an own goal.

The home side added their fifth goal in the second half, as Seth Ridgeon netted.

Greg Crane's side have a quick return to action, as they host West Ham United at the Lotus Training Centre on Tuesday, March 5 (KO 1.30pm).

Fulham Under-18s: Varney, De Jesus, Slade (Park 64), Amissah, Nsasi, Nwoko, Olyott, Gofford (Ridgeon 54), Ali Wahid, Iwhiwhu, Loupalo-Bi (Wingate 82).

Unused subs: White, Kaiser.

Goals: Loupalo-Bi (6, 10), Olyott (21), OG (39), Ridgeon (76)

Norwich City Under-18s: Bullen, Simbai, Ofori-Manteaw, Williams, Owen, Bracking, Mundle (Rowland 68), Chilvers, Corke (Newman 61), Roberts (Okpiabhele 81) Daley.

Unused sub: Ruddy.

Bookings: Ofori-Manteaw (90+3)



https://www.canaries.co.uk/content/u18s-match-report-fulham-x-x-norwich-city

[WhiteJC]

Rodrigo Muniz scores again as Fulham claim comfortable win over Brighton
Fulham claimed their second consecutive Premier League win after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brighton at Craven Cottage.

Rodrigo Muniz was once again the star of the show as Fulham secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Brighton at Craven Cottage.

The Brazilian striker netted his fifth Premier League goal in as many matches, following Harry Wilson's spectacular long-range strike that put Fulham in the lead.

Adama Traore also made an impact, coming off the bench to score in the added time of the second half.

This win marks Fulham's first consecutive league victories since December, following their 2-1 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Fulham started the match on a high note, maintaining the momentum from their previous win.

A dynamic run from Harrison Reed resulted in a yellow card for Carlos Baleba, and the stand-in captain tested Jason Steele with a shot from inside the box after receiving a free-kick.

Fulham's early pressure paid off in the 21st minute when they scored the opening goal. The in-form Muniz outmuscled Lewis Dunk in the air, setting up Wilson who curled his shot into the top left corner.



https://www.football.london/premier-league/rodrigo-muniz-scores-again-fulham-28742959

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Clinch Victory Against Brighton

Craven Cottage Showdown: Fulham Prevail Over Brighton
Fulham's Premier League Tenacity

In the grand theatre of the Premier League, Fulham showcased their resolve against a Brighton side perhaps preoccupied with European aspirations. The London outfit, with guile and persistence, engineered a victory that defied the possession statistics, underscoring the age-old adage that it's goals that win games, not merely the control of play.

Wilson and Muniz: A Lethal Combination
Amid the lush green that is Craven Cottage, Harry Wilson's artistic flair with the ball shone through as he scored the opening goal. This came after an exemplary hustle by Rodrigo Muniz, setting the tone for Fulham's offensive strategy. The duo switched roles soon after, with Wilson crafting a chance that Muniz converted, marking his fifth in recent outings—a testament to their burgeoning partnership.

Mid-Game Lull and Brighton's Possession
The match's tempo fluctuated, with a mid-game phase seeing Brighton dominate the ball yet without crafting that decisive blow. Possession, they say, is nine-tenths of the law, but in football, it is the final tenth—in the form of goals—that matters most, something Brighton was starkly reminded of.

Revival and Missed Opportunities
Post-interval, Brighton's eagerness to claw back into contention saw the introduction of Simon Adingra and Ansu Fati, raising the stakes and the spectacle. Evan Ferguson, presented with golden chances, will rue the narrow margins that separated his efforts from the back of the net.

Closing Drama and Tactical Triumph
As the clock wound down, Fulham's strategic prowess was on full display. The spirited Bobby de Cordova-Reid disrupted Brighton's advance, allowing Adama Traore to leave his mark with a debut goal for the club—a strike sealing Fulham's win.

Standings and Reflection
This clash sees Fulham maintain their mid-table steadiness, while Brighton experiences a minor stumble in their league campaign. The result at Craven Cottage will resonate as a narrative of resilience and the tactical acumen that distinguishes the Premier League as a spectacle of unpredictability and excitement.



https://eplindex.com/106184/fulham-clinch-victory-against-brighton.html

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 3-0 Brighton: Rodrigo Muniz scores again as Cottagers ease to victory
Marco Silva's side have now won back-to-back games

Rodrigo Muniz was on the scoresheet again as Fulham claimed an impressive 3-0 win over Brighton at Craven Cottage.

The Brazilian forward claimed his fifth Premier League goal in his last five matches after Harry Wilson's long-range effort put the Cottagers' ahead.

Adama Traore came off the bench to score in second half added time.

Fulham registered their first back-to-back league wins since December after their 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The hosts kept the momentum from last week's victory and started the better of the two teams.

After Harrison Reed's bursting run forced a yellow card from Carlos Baleba, the stand-in skipper tested Jason Steele from inside the area, getting on the end of a free-kick.

Fulham's early pressure was rewarded in the 21st minute when they took the lead. The inform Muniz hustled Lewis Dunk in the air, knocking the ball down into the path of Wilson who curled his effort into the top left-hand corner.

Brighton searched for a way back into the game and missed two quickfire chances to equalise.

After Adam Lallana's long-range strike whistled past Bernd Leno's post, Julio Enciso showed intricate skill to beat his marker before the Seagulls midfielder's shot failed to hit the target.

The Cottagers on the other hand did not have to be asked twice in front of goal as they scored again to double their lead.

Wilson, who had been untouchable up to this point, repaid Muniz's earlier favour, curling the ball onto the head of his team-mate who nodded home to continue his stunning scoring form.

Fulham continued to impress in the second half through the electric partnership of Wilson and Muniz.

Wilson initially dragged his one-on-one wide of Steele's left-hand post but was given another opportunity to score.

Muniz showed strength to hold off the defender, drove into the box and found Wilson who was dispossessed by Dunk's last-ditch effort to keep the score at 2-0.

Evan Ferguson had a golden chance to score from inside the six-yard box but the forward poked his effort wide in a move which summed up the visitors' lacklustre display.

Fulham allowed Roberto De Zerbi's men possession as they began to shut up shop. Pervis Estupinan was unleashed down the left, whipping a dangerous ball to the rising Baleba whose header ballooned over the bar before he was substituted minutes later.

Traore was played through and buried his effort to give Fulham a third during four added minutes.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-vs-brighton-premier-league-result-2024-b1142785.html

[WhiteJC]

Rodrigo Muniz's 'great performances' delight Fulham boss Marco Silva
Marco Silva believes Rodrigo Muniz is getting "better and better" after the Fulham forward inspired the Cottagers to a 3-0 win over Brighton.

Muniz claimed his fifth Premier League goal in five games with a clinical header which came after his assist for Harry Wilson's earlier long-range strike at Craven Cottage.

Adama Traore opened his account for the season during four added minutes in the second half.

Silva lauded the Brazilian forward's impact in recent weeks which has kept loan signing Armando Broja out of the starting XI.

"They were great performances. Rodrigo is getting better and better," Silva said.

"He's getting stronger which is really difficult for the defenders to deal with. We know that if we provide for him inside the box then he's really dangerous as well.

"We expected Brighton to play man on man across the pitch and to press us and we knew we had to play behind that pressure. To have a player like Rodrigo to link up our game and build our attack is really important.

"The way he's improving in all aspects of the game is really good for us and for him he's a happy boy as you'd expect and I think there's even more to come from him."

The victory marked Fulham's first back-to-back wins since December after last week's late 2-1 victory over Manchester United.

Silva believes his side's triumph was fully deserved, crediting his players' desire.

"I'm really happy because we deserved the three points at home with a clean sheet," Silva added.

"To have back-to-back wins in the Premier League is really tough and we wanted to get back to winning ways after the Aston Villa match (2-1 defeat).

"We showed quality, commitment and desire to do the right things and that's positive.

"The first half was almost perfect I must say. They didn't create one chance and we were clinical of course with the goals that we scored.

"The second goal is almost the perfect team goal. The way we built from the goalkeeper to the last moment and myself as a manager that is something I'm proud of."

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi believes his side played without the right energy during the defeat.

He said: "I think we played without the energy. In the Premier League you need to push 100 per cent and you can't play with 50 or 60 per cent.

"I think we didn't play well and that we didn't deserve to win the game. Fulham played a good game but they were not incredible. For us it's a tough moment."



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/rodrigo-muniz-great-performances-delight-182532606.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9jLm5ld3Nub3cuY28udWsv&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALa9D6ZIKIsXj94Ame-9zoaySl6G9a4XVdST2EZXnKpjayVEbXAOEBVntFaJn4ikqBejYoCVd7RQhS78H27n0D8iQKAjZOCAA87legiQkczoHlQOJfARN_MnsT7Etu5rwbnhyWd5OLERGiwSy_8Cf82qLbag1nYn_MQ5LWqIlXrR

[WhiteJC]

Back-to-back Fulham wins 'a great feeling' – Silva
Fulham boss Marco Silva savoured the 3-0 home victory over Brighton.

A week after a brilliant win at Manchester United, the Whites picked up three more points with goals from Harry Wilson, the in-form Rodrigo Muniz and substitute Adama Traore.

"We all have to be pleased. I'm pleased for the players and the fans as well," Silva said.

"I'm really happy because we deserved the three points, to win at home with a clean sheet is really important for us, is a great feeling. To have back-to-back wins in the Premier League is really tough

"Our week was really good. As you would expect, the mood at the training ground was really good. But not just the mood, in terms of quality, commitment, and the desire from the players to do the right things."

Two goals in 11 first-half minutes put the Whites in control, with Wilson opening the scoring before Muniz doubled their lead.

Muniz created the opener, pouncing on Adam Webster's weak header and then finding Wilson, who brilliantly curled a shot beyond keeper Jason Steele from near the edge of the penalty area.

The same players combined for the second goal, with Muniz scoring with a fine header from Wilson's cross.

Silva said: "We were clinical with the two goals that we scored. The first one after a very good moment from Rodrigo with the way he won the ball, and amazing finish from Harry.

"And the second goal is almost a perfect team goal – the way we built from the goalkeeper until the last moment with the ball passing between our three midfielders, was almost a perfect goal that myself as a manager, the players, have to be proud of."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/back-to-back-fulham-wins-a-great-feeling-silva

[WhiteJC]

Russell Martin explains Jay Stansfield incident during Birmingham City vs Southampton
Latest Birmingham City news from BirminghamLive includes Southampton manager Russell Martin on Jay Stansfield and the stick he received from fans at St Andrew's

Russell Martin has no issue with Jay Stansfield taunting the away dugout against Southampton and admits Birmingham City fans 'will go away thinking I'm a complete a*******'.

Stansfield scored Blues' second goal in their 4-3 defeat to the Saints at St Andrew's. The on-loan Fulham striker punished a mistake by Jan Bednarek by rifling a shot into the roof of the net shortly before half-time.

Part of the striker's celebrations took place in front of the away dugout. Martin explained afterwards that Stansfield and his assistant Matt Gill - a former Exeter City player - are friends. The Southampton manager gave some out, too, to those seated in the lower Main Stand near the dugout.

"It's no problem. He's friends with Gilly," said Martin. "Gilly played with his dad (Adam Stansfield) and they had a brilliant relationship, so he's a family friend. I really like him as a player and I also like that he's got character like that.

"We got plenty of stick from the fans in the dugout so we had a good time when we scored the winner as well. That's football. It happens and I have no problem with it.

"We had a laugh with him at the end and I'm pretty sure the Birmingham fans near the away dugout will go away thinking I'm a complete a*******. That's fine as well."



https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/russell-martin-explains-jay-stansfield-28743191

[WhiteJC]

Red-hot Muniz batters Brighton
Rodrigo Muniz continued his red-hot form by making one goal and scoring another as Fulham dampened Brighton and Hove Albion's European ambitions with a comfortable 3-0 win at Craven Cottage this afternoon.

The Brazilian striker easily won his battle with Aaron Webster and put his body on the line to put the Cottagers on course for an impressive victory. He flicked on Calvin Bassey's forward ball by beating Webster in the air and then risked injury to head the loose ball towards Harry Wilson on the right flank. The Welsh winger had the time and space to cut inside and curl an outstanding opening goal around Jason Steele and into the far corner. The goal owed much to Muniz applying pressure on the Seagulls centre back – and, after Roberto de Zerbi's side briefly threatened an equaliser as Adam Lallana and Julio Encisco failed to hit the target when well placed, the former Flamengo forward hit his fifth goal in as many matches to give the Whites some breathing space.

Sasa Lukic surged into Brighton territory before Harrison Reed found Wilson, who whipped in a brilliant inswinging cross that Muniz headed home having arced his run between the statuesque Brighton centre halves. Muniz's goalscoring streak took him to the brink of the Brazilian squad that Andreas Pereira was recalled to last week – and he took the rapturous acclaim of the Cottage crowd.

Albion appeared enlivened by a pair of half-time changes, penning Fulham back from the off and winning a corner from which an unmarked Dunk couldn't direct his header past Bernd Leno. But Fulham looked more incisive in the final third, with Wilson sprinting onto a clever lay off from Muniz only for the Welshman to drag his shot wide of the far post.

Muniz outmuscled Aaron Webster before pulling the ball back for Wilson, who saw a shot blocked beyond for a corner that saw Tosin Adarabioyo nod wide. Fulham should have been out of sight when Pereira pounced on a poor pass from Carlos Baleba but the attacking midfielder took an age to round Steele and fired past the angle of post and bar once he had regained his bearings.

Evan Ferguson looked every inch a striker short on confidence after going sixteen matches without a goal – wasting a glorious opportunity to reduce Brighton's deficit when he latched onto a through ball by Lallana, screwing a shot badly wide as Leno looked to narrow the angle. Muniz was in the mood at the other end, surging away from the Albion back line before blasting into the side netting, before Wilson stretched to intercept Steele's goal-kick setting up Pereira, who shot straight at the keeper.

Fulham had further chances as Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi linked up down the left, with the Nigerian international picking out Wilson in the middle, but Lewis Dunk arrived in the nick of time to block the shot. Brighton kept plugging away with Facundo Buonanotte hitting the base of the post and Ansu Fati being denied by Leno.

But the Seagulls were caught on the counter as they pushed forward in search of a lifeline. Bobby De Cordova-Reid was typically tenacious on his 200th Fulham outing, robbing Pascal Gross and playing in Adama Traore. The Spanish substitute sauntered through on goal and stroked a low finish past Steele and inside the far post.

Silva's tactical masterclass to earn three points at Old Trafford took plenty of plaudits, but stitching together a comprehensive victory over Brighton from just 29 per cent possession is just as praiseworthy. The back-to-back wins have the Whites looking upwardly mobile again.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Bassey; Reed, Lukic (De Cordova-Reid 88); Wilson (Traore 84), Iwobi (Willian 69), Pereira (Cairney 69); Muniz (Broja 84). Subs (not used): Rodak, Tete, Ballo-Toure, Ream.

BOOKED: De Cordova-Reid.

GOALS: Wilson (21), Muniz (32), Traore (90+1).

BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION (3-4-2-1): Steele; Veltman, Webster, Dunk (Gross 59); Lamptey (Andingra 45), Estupinan, van Hecke, Baleba (Moder 78); Enciso (Fati 45), Lallana (Buonanotte 59); Ferguson. Subs (not used): Verbruggen, Julio, Barco, Welbeck.

BOOKED: Baleba, Estupinan.

REFEREE: Simon Hooper (Wiltshire).

ATTENDANCE: 24,460



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/red-hot-muniz-batters-brighton/

[WhiteJC]

Silva delighted with back-to-back wins
Marco Silva was purring with delight after his Fulham side followed up their sensational win at Manchester United by beating Brighton and Hove Albion 3-0 at Craven Cottage.

A superb strike from Harry Wilson put the Whites on the way to all three points before the Welshman set up Rodrigo Muniz's fifth goal in five games and substitute Adama Traore scored his first Fulham goal in front of the Hammersmith End in stoppage time.

Silva told his post-match press conference:

"We have to be pleased. I'm pleased for all the players, for the fans as well. I'm really happy because we deserved the three points, to win at home with a clean sheet is really important for us, is a great feeling. And to have back-to-back wins in the Premier League is really tough – when you play away from home at Old Trafford, and then have Brighton at home as well. We wanted to get back to winnings ways at home after the Villa match, it was really important for us.

We knew that it was going to be a difficult match – Brighton has the capacity to have long moments of possession, even if they are not around your box. Lots of passes between central defenders, they use the goalkeeper well. Both goalkeepers are like another player because they are really good with their feet. The game was going to demand from us the right moments to press, the right moments to jump in that pressure, and to be really well organised. First half, in that aspect, was almost perfect, I have to say. They didn't create one chance all the first half.

We were clinical with the two goals that we scored. The first one after a very good moment from Rodrigo with the way he won the ball, and amazing finish from Harry. The second goal is almost a perfect team goal – the way we built from the goalkeeper until the last moment with the ball passing between our three midfielders, was almost a perfect goal that myself as a manager, the players, have to be proud of. It was something that we prepared, and when you see that happening on the pitch it's a great feeling.

The second half was a little bit different. We started well, we had two or three moments to score the third goal and completely kill the game. We didn't, and of course they pushed some players a little bit more back, our pressure was not so effective. They had some moments but throughout the game we were always looking for their goal, every time we won the ball we were really dangerous as well. In the end, we scored the third with Adama to have back-to-back wins and the clean sheet, which was really important for us."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/silva-delighted-with-back-to-back-wins/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Marco Silva heaps praise on 'great' Rodrigo Muniz and insists there's more to come from the forward after his continued his hot scoring streak in 3-0 win over Brighton

    Harry Wilson curled in the opener before Rodrigo Muniz headed home
    Adama Traore finished off a swift counter attack to seal victory late on

There is a certain irony that Fulham spent January searching the transfer market for a goalscorer, only to find they had one at home the whole time.

Rodrigo Muniz began his goalscoring run away at Burnley two days after the window closed, and continued it emphatically here to help Fulham to an impressive victory.

The 22-year-old's industry created Harry Wilson's opener, his instinct to fire in a bullet header was to thank for the second as he made it five goals in five. A remarkable figure considering he hadn't scored all season before February.

Substitute Adama Traore raced clear to put an exclamation mark on the result late on but the story was all about Muniz, and manager Marco Silva promised there was more to come from him.

'He was great. He's getting better and better,' said Silva. 'He's strong and so difficult to deal with. His link-up play against a press like Brighton's was so important. He's a happy boy and there's much more to come.'

Indeed, Muniz had the beating in the air of Brighton's Adam Webster before he teed up Harry Wilson's superb, curled opener. They swapped roles for the second, Wilson placing an inch-perfect cross on to Muniz's head to cap off a team move, much to Silva's delight.

'The second is almost a perfect team goal,' raved the manager. 'The way we built was almost perfect. It's something we prepared for, to see it happen was a great feeling.'

Perhaps Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi could be forgiven for having one eye on Thursday's trip to Roma, their first-ever European knockout tie. He made nine changes here, leaving the league's top assist maker Pascal Gross on the bench, and it was evident in a flat performance.

De Zerbi acknowledged as much, while conceding his squad were lacking in energy to compete with Fulham.

'Thursday is historic for us, we are not a big, big club,' he said. 'We didn't play with the energy you need in the Premier League. You cannot win with 60 per cent.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13149707/Fulham-boss-Marco-Silva-insists-theres-come-Rodrigo-Muniz-forward-continued-hot-scoring-streak-win-Brighton.html

[WhiteJC]

There's more to come from Muniz, says Silva
Marco Silva feels Rodrigo Muniz is getting "better and better" after the Fulham forward starred in a comfortable 3-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Muniz claimed his fifth Premier League goal in five games with a clinical header which came after his assist for Harry Wilson earlier long-range strike at Craven Cottage. Adama Traore opened his account for the season during four added minutes in the second half.

Silva lauded Muniz's magnificent performances over the past month.

"They were great performances. Rodrigo is getting better and better. He's getting stronger which is really difficult for the defenders to deal with. We know that if we provide for him inside the box then he's really dangerous as well.

"We expected Brighton to play man on man across the pitch and to press us and we knew we had to play behind that pressure. To have a player like Rodrigo to link up our game and build our attack is really important. The way he's improving in all aspects of the game is really good for us and for him he's a happy boy as you'd expect and I think there's even more to come from him."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/theres-more-to-come-from-muniz-says-silva/

[WhiteJC]

Wilson salutes Silva's tactical acumen
Harry Wilson hailed Marco Silva's pre-match preparation after Fulham eased past Brighton and Hove Albion at Craven Cottage yesterday afternoon – despite having just 29% possession.

The Welsh winger curled home a majestic opener to put the Whites on the way to three points before setting up Rodrigo Muniz for Fulham's second. Substitute Adama Traore rounded off the scoring in stoppage time and Wilson felt that Fulham's margin of victory should have been even greater.

"We knew going into the game that Brighton would have large spells of the ball. We worked on it all week to make the most of when we could get it. Although they had a lot of the ball, we had the better chances and probably could have scored more."

Wilson heaped praise on a transformed Muniz, who headed home his fifth goal in as many matches having not scored in the Premier League before last month.

"The last few weeks has been amazing. The goals have come and he deserves that. He always makes it hard for defenders and battles for the ball. The way he set up my goal shows that. We took the confidence of the result from last week into this game. To go to Old Trafford without Willian and Joao [Palhinha] and win was great. When we're on it we can go toe-to-toe with anyone in this league."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/wilson-salutes-silvas-tactical-acumen/

[WhiteJC]

Muniz: 'I feel at home'
Rodrigo Muniz revealed he feels 'at home' with Fulham after hearing the Craven Cottage crowd sing his name following another peerless performance as the Whites dismantled Brighton and Hove Albion yesterday.

The Brazilian striker set up Harry Wilson's wonderful opening goal with a brave header as he beat Aaron Webster in the build up before heading home an excellent cross from the Welsh winger to make it five goals in five fixtures since he returned to Marco Silva's starting line-up.

Muniz told FFCTV after the final whistle:

"When we play at home, it is amazing because our fans help us a lot. I'm very happy to score [another] goal. I think more confidently now. My team-mates [have] helped me a lot, Marco gives me the confidence and now I feel at home. I worked three years for this time. When I saw [the Fulham fans chanting 'Muniz!'], I said, 'thanks, God, for this moment'. I have worked a lot, every day, to get these results. To keep my team-mates and Marco happy is amazing for me as well.

"We worked a lot during the week. We worked and prepared [on how] to win today. We know Brighton are a very good team. Marco said to me 'you are too strong' and 'put your body on the defender' and I said, 'okay, [I will] try' and the first time [I did it], the goal happened. I'm happy for Harry. He is an amazing player and he has helped me a lot. He scored a great goal and today I scored too with his assist. What a ball! We worked on this ball in training and it happened today."




https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/muniz-i-feel-at-home/

[WhiteJC]

'Amazing'... Harry Wilson blown away by £6.8m Fulham teammate after Brighton display
Fulham wide man Harry Wilson has praised striker Rodrigo Muniz after his latest goal against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Fulham made it two wins in a row by beating Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

Marco Silva's men took the momentum from last weekend's win at Manchester United and turned it into another three points.

This was a convincing victory as Harry Wilson fired the opener after relentless work from striker Rodrigo Muniz.

Muniz then added a second himself, powering a header home from Wilson's cross.

Substitute Adama Traore wrapped it up, slotting home his first Fulham goal to seal a 3-0 victory.

Harry Wilson hails Rodrigo Muniz
The key men were Wilson and Muniz as they linked up twice in the first half to give Brighton a mountain to climb.

Muniz to Wilson, Wilson to Muniz – Brighton had no answer for the Fulham duo.

Wilson has now paid tribute to Muniz, whose recent form has been astonishing for any fan to witness.

Wilson, as quoted by BBC Sport, suggested that Muniz has been 'amazing' in the Fulham attack.

The Welshman added that Muniz's battling nature makes life really difficult for defenders but he is now finding the net too, making himself a major threat.

"Rodrigo [Muniz] the last few weeks has been amazing," said Wilson. "The goals have come and he deserves that. He always makes it hard for defenders and battles for the ball. The way he set up my goal shows that," he added.

Muniz, who cost around £6.8million back in 2021, was barely even a factor when Fulham considered replacements for Aleksandar Mitrovic last summer.

The Brazilian hadn't really dazzled in the Championship and a loan spell with Middlesbrough didn't reap many rewards.

Muniz had to wait until the 3rd of February for his first Premier League goal – and now he can't stop scoring.

That is now five goals in five games for Muniz and he just seems to go from strength to strength as the leader of Fulham's attack.

Nobody really saw this coming but Silva seems to have stumbled upon a real talent to lead the line.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/03/03/amazing-harry-wilson-blown-away-by-6-8m-fulham-teammate-after-brighton-display/