Monday Fulham Stuff - 04/03/24...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Sunday 03/03
Burnley	0-2	Bournemouth
Man City	3-1	Man Utd

[WhiteJC]

Player Ratings: Fulham 3-0 Brighton and Hove Albion

Back-to-back wins in the Premier League, and three goals without reply. What a wonderful afternoon at the office.

Bernd Leno

A safe pair of hands in between the sticks today, there was no uncertainty from our German Shot-stopper. Although limited to a couple of saves, he kept hold of the ball firmly and was always there when needed to claim the ball and offer a reassuring presence in defence. Solid. 7/10

Timothy Castagne

Certainly the quieter of the two full-backs, Timmy Chestnuts reasserted himself as Marco's number one choice at right-back. It's great to see him consistently starting and cementing his place in the starting line-up. Did well to progress play and keep the Brighton attack in check. Chestnuts are nice and warm in firey form. 6.5/10

Tosin Adarabioyo

Ah Tosin. Calm, reassured, and consistent, it seems we have a real issue here as he's made himself a core piece at the heart of our defence and we need to figure out a way to get him to put pen to paper. As usual he proved key to nullifying aerial threats at the back and offered himself in the box going forward. Can we keep this key partnership together for the long haul? 7/10

Calvin Bassey

There were so many moments of magic in the first half time and time again, pacey interceptions met with strength to hold possession. So easily could have been man of the match. He has well and truly put any questions to bed as our starting LCB, as much as I love Ream. His return to the side since AFCON has proven instrumental and today was arguably his best display in a Fulham shirt. So proud. 8/10

Antonee Robinson

Jedi was handed the tough task of being put against the paciest of opposition players today, Lamptey in the first half followed by Adingra is no easy task and he proved again why he is such a crucial part of our defence against counter attacks. There was the usual mistake here and there but overall kept Brighton's threats at bay and progressed the ball up the pitch well. 7/10

Harrison Reed

A solid showing that broke up the Brighton play consistently, even though several fouls were needed to do so. A good outing from our captain today, not enough to set the world alight for me and be considered for an England call up though, but he put in a good shift, and we love him. 6.5/10

Sasa Lukic

Now here's a piece for debate. Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, Sasa has stepped into the starting line-up since Palhinha's two match suspension like a graceful swan, surprising all Fulham fans. He continued his impressive performance from Old Trafford and showed he wasn't a one trick pony. Sasa broke up the play really well, accelerated into defensive cover with great pace and made a strong amount of tackles and interceptions whilst linking up the play with ease. Does he keep his place in the starting eleven? A headache Silva will more than welcome. 8/10

Andreas Pereira

I'm a big fan of Periera, and I have a lot of patience for him because I know he can produce the numbers, he presses well and is a dead ball specialist with skill to boot. But fans would be forgiven for feeling a little frustrated today. A clear one-on-one chance with Wilson on hand to square it to as a second option should have killed the game off, instead he opted to take it round the keeper and played himself too wide of the goal, hitting the shot wide. But no one was more annoyed than the player himself and he worked hard to make up for it afterwards, a reaction and passion I was pleased to see and today we can forgive him given the result. 6/10

Alex Iwobi

A key figure in the heart of this team, Iwobi must still be buzzing after that iconic goal last weekend. However today there were three of four misplaced passes and crosses in the first half and after a small improvement after half-time was the first to come off. Not a bad performance by any means, but he didn't really get going today for me and that happens sometimes. 6.5/10

Harry Wilson

My word, this boy did good. I wanted to gift man of the match to Muniz after the first half but Harry's dynamism and workrate pips him to the post. He grabbed the opportunity for the opener with both hands, being calm and clinical when it mattered most with a stunning finish into the top corner. Then he sends in the perfect cross for our big man up top. For the rest of the game, he was relentless. Brilliant ball control, skill, driving runs forward and interceptions to break up Brighton's play and create the counters was superb. Just wow. 9/10

Rodrigo Muniz

If our Brazilian big man up top is indeed proving that this isn't just a purple patch, then what a player we have on our hands. All seemed over for Rodrigo's Fulham career when an unsuccessful loan stint at Boro left fans questioning what was next. But since January everything has just clicked; all of the trademark workrate and desire has found an end product and now he is more ruthless than ever. He holds the ball up with tenacity reminiscent of a certain number nine, but with more pace and desire. He threw his body on the line to flick the ball on for Wilson's opener despite being fouled. Headed the ball home for another goal, his fifth in five games. Broja isn't finding his place into the starting line-up while Muniz is in this scintillating form and long may it continue – he deserves it. 8.5/10

Substitutes

Tom Cairney

Came on the retain possession of the ball following Brighton's high press in our half. Some bits worked others didn't. Not a memorable showing, but the post show crowd hype was a 10. 6/10

Willian

Like Cairney brought on to keep hold of possession and break up the Brighton play. Our rolls Royce produced a good display and he'll be itching to win that starting place back next match if possible. 6/10

Bobby De Cordova-Reid

Off the bench and marks his 200th Fulham performance with a superb and unselfish assist. Well done, Bobby. 7.5/10

Adama Traore

What an asset, Adama is finally proving to the fans that he is the player we all hoped and wished for. As always, the moment he comes on he leaves the opposition in dismay, worked hard defensively and even harder on the counter to get a well-deserved goal – what a game-changer. 7.5/10




https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-03-03-player-ratings-fulham-3-0-brighton-and-hove-albion/?utm_content=cmp-true

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva had a feeling one Fulham player would terrorise Brighton, he was proven right
Fulham boss Marco Silva has hailed striker Rodrigo Muniz after scoring another goal against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.

Fulham made it two wins in a row on Saturday afternoon, beating Brighton and Hove Albion 3-0 at Craven Cottage.

Striker Muniz was the star of the show in the first half, setting up Harry Wilson to score the opener before heading home the second.

Substitute Adama Traore added the third in the second half, securing a comfortable victory.

Marco Silva on Rodrigo Muniz
There is no doubting who the talk of the town is right now.

Muniz just can't stop scoring despite only scoring his first Premier League goal a month ago.

The Brazilian has been thrust into action of late and he is certainly taking his chance to shine.

That is now five goals in the last five games for Muniz, who is contributing assists as well as finding the net.

Boss Marco Silva absolutely loves what he is seeing from Muniz and actually had a feeling that he would thrive against Brighton.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Silva suggested that Muniz is improving constantly and is clearly getting better and better in the Premier League.

Silva added that Muniz had a great week of training and he just knew that the former Flamengo talent would have a good game against Brighton.

"100% sure he is improving and improving and improving, it is part of the development of him," said Silva. "We are working with him on many, many things and he is getting better. He's still a really young player, but he's getting better. A great goal from him; we know that if you provide for him in that area, he is really strong, he is really strong there."

"The way he helps us, the way we link our game against a side that tends to press always man-on-man, in moments we have to be a little bit more direct, play in behind their pressure and he was really important throughout the game in those moments. Another great performance for him, not a surprise for us, last week was the same. He had a very good week in terms of work and quality as well, and I expected a good game from him to be honest," he added.

Muniz's rise has come as a huge surprise to everybody, especially after a fairly dismal loan spell at Middlesbrough last season.

Nobody really expected Muniz to become this kind of goalscorer in the Premier League but long may it continue as he continues to find the net.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/03/03/marco-silva-had-a-feeling-one-fulham-player-would-terrorise-brighton-he-was-proven-right/

[WhiteJC]

Positives and negatives: Fulham 3-0 Brighton and Hove Albion

Two wins on the spin, 35 points on the board and Brighton still can't get the better of us in the Premier League. Life in SW6 is so good right now and Cam's back to tell you all about Saturday's comprehensive win.

Positives

Silva set the standard

Truthfully, I don't think anybody could call this meeting before kick off but as soon as play got underway, there was only one likely outcome and that was a resounding Fulham dub with a clean sheet to boot. Brighton knocked it about with very little to shout about, they may have pretty patterns but the genuine danger came from the Whites' cut-and-thrust menace and there could've been an avalanche of goals, although three would have to do. We aren't suddenly spoiled brats, are we?

Balls could've been squared, strikes may have skewed wide of the mark but on the charge, Fulham were bloodthirsty and our directness on the offensive startled a Brighton side that are usually so difficult to subdue. The visitors probed, Tariq Lamptey and Pervis Estupinan attempted to stretch our shape but we were regimented and as we absorbed pressure, we counteracted their game plan and leaped for the throat.

Brighton claimed more than 70% possession but they had no answer to Fulham's streamlined attack. They were outfought, outgunned, and while we prefer to dictate the run of play ourselves, our last two outings are significant because it proves that Silva's set-up can adapt and overcome. We've had to be patient, we've had to sit tight, and when it was our turn to burn rubber, it was full throttle football as the light turned green.

Compositionally, Fulham were flawless; we were drilled and organised and we are durable, we are problem solvers and we will test every single side in this division, especially the ones with overinflated reputations to burst. Silva ball is flexible, it may come unstuck every once in a while but generally, it's a brand that's tailored specifically for the Premier League and we took Roberto De Zerbi's project by storm. Marco set the standard on Saturday, and his supposedly innovative Italian counterpart simply couldn't match it. Bellissimo.

Money Muniz made it rain

It may have been slightly too early for Rodrigo Muniz to represent Brazil's senior fold but if he continues to torment highly experienced defenders whilst busting nets consistently, international recognition will be inevitable. Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster and Joel Veltman are all regarded as top defensive stalwarts, they're commanding in the air, rugged in challenges and they take no prisoners. That was until they crossed paths with Muniz, anyway.

Often pitted against two of Brighton's three central defenders at one time, Rodrigo occupied the Seagulls' back line defiantly, he wedged himself between man and ball under immense pressure to safeguard possession as the Whites advanced and in key areas at crucial moments, Money Muniz made it rain. He was credited with an assist for our first of the afternoon, the desire to shunt play forward as Brighton scrambled to regroup was exceptional and as he nodded Harry Wilson into a decent striking zone, a goal of supreme quality soon followed.

Nothing was a lost cause, his entire attitude has changed drastically and now he knows how to use his physicality to his advantage, he is a truly intimidating number nine and he now has a deadly instinct to go with it. Reading Wilson's sumptuous cross, Muniz's deft movement offset Brighton's defensive line, and as the ball curled towards the penalty spot, he nutted a ferocious header through a flailing Jason Steele, unmarked, and our second of the game counted as his fifth goal in five starts. Remarkable.

Two direct goal involvements, Mitro-esque authority with multiple defenders to hold off, Muniz's rebirth after the January transfer window has been almost tear jerking. His will power is infectious, he's gone from being an outcast at Middlesbrough to being one of the Premier League's rising stars in the space of a year and while I still believe we need to sign another striker in the summer, Rodrigoal is gradually becoming our very own £40m bagsman and he will be massively important no matter what.

Wilson's majestic masterstrokes

Another man that contributed to both of Fulham first half goals was, of course, Harry Wilson who, in full flow, was outstanding. Wilson's ability to drift and shift inside from wide is a major asset to his game and for the opener, the divebombing Welshman dipped and detonated to stunning effect. It was a Wilson special, a left-footed whip that 'keepers cannot reach and his assist for Muniz's goal was also a majestic masterstroke.

He couldn't have lifted it into the mixer any better. The pace was perfect, the shape was gorgeous, Brighton's back line is laden with defenders that are rarely bypassed in the air but Wilson's judgement was on point, and it was met with the finishing touch it deserved, too. Bold on the counter, a genuine problem along both flanks and between the lines, Harry's contributions were top drawer, well received, and when he's bagging belters and supplying the goods with a spring in his step, Fulham always prosper.

Adama's off the mark

A first goal in Fulham colours and the first Spaniard to ever score for the Whites, Adama "Amanda" Traore's moment in the sun has been a long time coming and as dusk set in at the Cottage in the 93rd minute, the promise of a new dawn broke for the 28-year-old as he picked his spot and punched it home. Brighton were floored, but the Cottage was in its feet for the man that feels like a new signing every time he features.

That last-ditch miss at the Emirates, failing to level things up against Aston Villa a few weeks back, Traore isn't the first player you'd want to hedge your bets on in a one-on-one showdown but with his head down, with his side already two goals to the good, the lubricant enthusiast had antifreeze coursing through his veins. He didn't seize up, Steele closed the gap but his strike across the target was slick and his presence as he burst through initially was assertive. He swept our third like he really meant it, no messing, and now he's finally off the mark, he has to demand more from himself at the back end of the season.

Bassey bodied Brighton

Still riding high after last Saturday's historic victory, Calvin Bassey was immovable at the heart of Fulham's back four and with hard-hitting shoulder charges and explosive recovery runs, he made light work of Brighton's blunted approach play and he also bodied their academy hotshot Ewan Ferguson back to Little Kickers.

Defensively, Fulham held firm throughout and we remained vigilant. The Seagulls were capable of clawing themselves back into the game if we even dared to switch off for a millisecond and one man that maintained his discipline whilst bodying attackers into oblivion was Bassey. This is a defender that understands his strengths and he trusts them, and no matter what Brighton threw at him, including cheap swipes off the ball, they were powerless to prevent CBass from making his dominance known in every conceivable sense.

He climbed above the rest to win virtually every header that came his way, he rampaged forward with the ball through traffic, he ate up the yards to shut it down and when certain strikers thought they were hard enough, they were spread across the surface like room temperature Lurpak. Confidence, Calvin's got it in spades and as he quite clearly backs himself in any given scenario, strikers should fear him and they'll be wise to tread carefully.

Negatives

Insert grumble here

Can't think of one, won't think of one. Squabble among yourselves if you really have to. We've just put three past the oppo without reply and that's all there is to it. Three goals, three points, who can argue with that, eh?



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-03-03-positives-and-negatives-fulham-3-0-brighton-and-hove-albion/

[WhiteJC]

Southampton's Russell Martin not concerned by Jay Stansfield taunt
SAINTS boss Russell Martin insists he has no issue with Jay Stansfield's taunting celebration on Saturday.

 The 21 year old Fulham loanee ran across to celebrate in front of the Southampton dugout following Birmingham's third goal.

Juninho Bacuna had fired past Gavin Bazunu after Stansfield's initial effort struck the post - levelling the game for 10-man Birmingham.

Stansfield had already scored himself, restoring the hosts' lead in the first half.

Martin had no issue with the celebration and noted that it is just a part of the game.

 Joe Aribo's 96th minute winner eventually swung the game back in Southampton's favour, prompting mass celebrations in the away dugout.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin said: "I didn't have a problem with it. He knows Gilly. His dad played with Gilly and they had a brilliant relationship.

"He is a family friend so I have no problem with it. I really like him as a player and I like that he has got some character.

 "We got plenty of stick from the Birmingham fans in the dugout so we had a lot of fun when we scored the winner.

"That is football. For the 90 minutes when the game is going on it happens. We had a good laugh with Jay at the end.

"I am pretty sure the Birmingham fans near the away dugout will go away thinking I'm an a***hole. That is football, I have got no problem with that."



https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24158467.southamptons-russell-martin-not-concerned-jay-stansfield-taunt/

[WhiteJC]

Star released by Leeds at 16 is now starring in the Premier League
The former Whites prospect has gone on to enjoy a strong career since moving on from Elland Road.

Leeds United star Archie Gray is the latest player to emerge as a key first-team performer after graduating from the club's academy set-up.

The 17-year-old whiz has started 31 of the club's Championship matches under German head coach Daniel Farke, who arrived in Yorkshire last summer.

A central midfielder naturally, the teenage gem has been the first-choice option at right-back for the former Norwich City tactician after an injury to Djed Spence, who was on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, opened the door for him to come in.

He was given an opportunity to impress by the boss at the start of the season and grasped it with both hands, but not every young talent had that chance during their time at Elland Road.

Tom Cairney started his youth career with the Whites but was released before he could make his senior debut for Leeds, and the talented gem's value went on to skyrocket.

Why Leeds ditched Tom Cairney
The attacking midfielder joined the club's academy as a seven-year-old and played through the age groups until they decided to let him leave in 2017.

He was 16 at the time and stood at just 5 foot 1. His height reportedly played a role in Leeds' decision to release him on a free transfer after nine years at Elland Road.

They seemingly decided that Cairney would not develop, physically and possibly technically, to a level that would see him emerge as a first-team operator in Yorkshire, as he left with zero senior appearances for them.

The Scotland international revealed - later in his career - that he was "crushed" by that exit from the club, given how much time the young whiz spent developing there.

Hull City picked the English-born maestro up for nothing after his release and his market valuation on Transfermarkt came in at €750k (£643k) by August 2010.

Why Tom Cairney's market value soared
The Fulham star currently stands at 6 foot and his growth spurt after moving on from Leeds may have played a part in the impressive career he has forged for himself.

After five goals and 11 assists in 80 appearances during his time with Hull at first-team level, Cairney made the switch to Blackburn Rovers, initially on loan in the summer of 2013 before the deal was made permanent in January 2014.

Fulham, who were in the Championship at the time, then swooped to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer of 2015 after the midfielder had produced nine goals and 16 assists in 85 matches for Rovers.

The impressive magician helped the Cottagers to secure promotion to the Premier League within three seasons, as he plundered 26 goals and 22 assists in 120 games in the second tier.

His 26th league goal during that period was the promotion-winning strike in the 2018 play-off final against Aston Villa, as you can see in the video above.

Fulham's captain stepped up when it mattered most to calmly slot the ball into the bottom corner to send the Cottagers up to the Premier League.

The magical midfielder's best season for goals and assists in his senior career, however, came earlier during the 2016/17 campaign for the London-based outfit.

Cairney's fantastic form for Fulham, and play-off final strike, helped his market value on Transfermarkt to skyrocket to a whopping €18m (£15.4m) by August 2018.

This means that his value soared by a staggering 2,300% from the €750k he was once valued at during his breakthrough at first-team level with Hull, after leaving Leeds for nothing.

Therefore, the Whites had a howler when they released Cairney as they did not give him enough time to grow into his body and find his feet, which Hull were prepared to do, and missed out on an excellent performer whose value soared over the subsequent years with no compensation.

Where Cairney is now
He has gone on to play over 300 matches for Fulham, who are currently in the Premier League, and has played more than 100 games in the top-flight.

The 33-year-old has registered four assists in 25 outings in the division this season - at least two more than any Leeds midfielder has managed in the Championship.

As you can see in the table above, the now-experienced star has been a solid operator for Fulham in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign.

The Scottish whiz has been strong in his duels - winning the majority of his physical contests - and offered quality at the top end of the pitch - with goals, assists, and big chances created - whilst being a reliable passer of the ball.

These statistics are particularly impressive for a 33-year-old - possibly heading into the last few years of his playing career - who has not started matches on a consistent basis for Marco Silva's side.

He has been a reliable and excellent performer when called upon by his club, which speaks to both his quality and professionalism to do that at his age in the Premier League.

This and his soaring market value earlier in his career highlights why Leeds had a howler when they decided to release him from their academy at the age of 16.

The left-footed maestro has been pulling the strings in midfield for Fulham for years and starred for Blackburn and Hull previously, in the Premier League and the Championship.

He has gone on to forge a successful career for himself in the top two tiers, which is where Leeds have been operating for the most part over the last 15 years - outside of a spell in League One.

It may be an important lesson for the Whites to learn with young players who are coming through now and possibly being deemed as too small or not physical enough to make it, as they could naturally develop in that sense and then shine as a footballer - as Cairney did.



https://www.footballfancast.com/leeds-released-tom-cairney-value-then-soared/

[WhiteJC]

Harry Wilson: Fulham have nothing to fear in Premier League
Harry Wilson reckons Fulham's 3-0 win over Brighton underlines that they can compete with any Premier League opposition.

The Whites made it back-to-back victories in the top flight and look to have sealed safety – meaning they will have a third straight season at that level.

Wilson put Fulham ahead before the Wales international crossed for Rodrigo Muniz to powerfully head home a second before the interval.

Substitute Adam Traore wrapped up the scoring with a composed finish.

Wilson told Premier League Productions: "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.

"Rodrigo 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."

Fulham head coach Marco Silva added: "Really pleased and a great team performance. We were brave and knew when to press.

"We had a good mix and executed our game-plan really well. We were more assertive in the first half rather than the second.

"The spine of the team did really well this afternoon and we knew it would be important to win that battle."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/harry-wilson-fulham-have-nothing-to-fear-in-premier-league/

[filham]

A great 3-0 win over Brighton that has satisfied all of us Fulham fans and we are now looking forward to the rest of the season with cinfidence.
Looking at the MOD highlights however I was aware of several Brighton misses that, if taken,could have turned the game in their favour.
Also looking at the match stats they had a lot more possession than us, more corners and more free kicks. Usually this is our story in defeat, has our fortune changed or have we at last realised that it is only goals that count.