Sunday Fulham Stuff - 10/03/24...

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Results

Saturday 09/03
Man Utd	2-0	Everton
Bournemouth	2-2	Sheff Utd
Palace	1-1	Luton
Wolves	2-1	Fulham
		Iwobi
Arsenal	2-1	Brentford

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Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Fulham

Rayan Ait-Nouri scored his first goal since Boxing Day 2022 against Everton

Wolves gave their hopes of playing European football next season a boost as they beat Fulham to move up to eighth in the Premier League.

Rayan Ait-Nouri opened the scoring early in the second half, converting from Toti Gomes' pull back after Fulham failed to deal adequately with a free-kick from deep.

There was more than a hint of good fortune about the second as Nelson Semedo's shot took a big deflection off Tom Cairney to leave Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno helpless.

Alex Iwobi pulled one back deep into stoppage time with a clever improvised finish but there was barely time for the game to restart as Wolves held on.

The win for Gary O'Neil's was all the more impressive given they lost both Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Pedro Neto to injury in the first half.

Meanwhile, Fulham rued missed opportunities, having dominated the first half, with Harry Wilson firing wide with only the goalkeeper to beat and Tosin Adarabioyo thumping a shot against the bar when left unmarked, eight yards out.

Wolves were a changed side after the break, quickly putting Marco Silva's side under pressure with an aggressive high press, led by the impressive Mario Lemina.

They were able to ease off slightly after going two ahead and although they managed to keep the visitors quiet for the most part, goalkeeper Jose Sa had to deny Joao Palhinha before Max Kilman headed Rodrigo Muniz's follow-up effort off the line.

Former Wolves winger Adama Traore also had a fierce shot repelled by Sa as Fulham's poor record at Molineux continued.

Iwobi's goal was their first in five visits to the ground and you have to go back to March 1985 for their last win at Wolves, a run of 18 games in league and cup.

Injuries stacking up but Wolves fight on
With forwards Hwang Hee-chan and Matheus Cunha already out and centre-back Craig Dawson missing with a groin issue, the last thing Wolves needed was more injuries.

Losing Bellegarde inside the first 10 minutes was a blow but then star man Neto pulled up sprinting to get to the byeline shortly before half-time.

Fulham had enjoyed much the better of the first 45 minutes and with Neto gone, so too, it seemed, was Wolves' main attacking threat.

However, the hosts came out with renewed vigour in the second half, and were rewarded with Ait-Nouri's goal.

Confidence was up and Joao Gomes did brilliantly to tee up Semedo with a back flick for the second, which ultimately went down as a Cairney own goal.

"Today was just hard work and grit, togetherness," O'Neil told BBC Match of the Day.

"We've had so many things go against us recently with injuries in the top half of the pitch. To lose two attackers again today, we just needed to find a way.

"The players were flat out at the end of it. An incredible effort from a group that just keep going."

There was the odd scare as Fulham pushed to get back into the game but Wolves largely defended solidly as they claimed a victory that was fully deserved on the back of their second-half showing.

O'Neil and his side have an FA Cup quarter-final at home to Coventry next weekend and will be hoping their injury issues have cleared up before they are next in league action, against Aston Villa on 30 March.

"European football from where we were at the start of the season, and the injuries we've had, would be the most ridiculous achievement," O'Neil added.

"Lets see what we can do and keep surprising people."

Missed opportunity for Fulham
After back-to-back Premier League wins against Manchester United and Brighton, Fulham had a glorious opportunity to make it three in row for the first time this season.

They looked the form side in the first 45 minutes, restricting Wolves to just one shot while creating a number of good chances.

But a sloppy first five minutes of the second half changed the momentum of the game completely.

Wolves were able to win possession back in the Fulham half a number of times in quick succession and that is what led to the first goal.

The visitors did respond well to going 2-0 down and had they pulled one back sooner, they might have been able to get something from the game.

However, they lacked ruthlessness in front of goal - they created four clear-cut chances but by the time they took one, it was too late.

"Some great saves from Jose Sa, but with the chances we had, you expect the ball to be in the net," Marco Silva told BBC Match of the Day.

"We have to be clinical and ruthless at this level, we weren't and we were punished by those mistakes."

While many others are in cup action next weekend, Fulham can look to make progress in the league against Tottenham at Craven Cottage.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68455050

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Post-Wolves Press Conference
Marco Silva gave an honest assessment after his Fulham side were beaten 2-1 away at Wolves.

The Whites were left to rue missed chances as second-half goals from Rayan Ait-Nouri and Nelson Semedo made the difference.

Marco explained: "We didn't start really well but after the first chance we created on our left-hand side, we built the momentum and started to be on the front foot.

"We created enough to be leading the scoreline at half-time, but we started too slow in the second-half.

"Our build-up was too slow, losing some balls in dangerous areas, and of course, that created momentum for them.

"After the two goals came a reaction from ourselves, we tried a different system, all that stuff. We tried everything to put some more offensive players on the pitch."

After a first-half that finished level, the gaffer was particularly disappointed by the way his team started the second period.

"I was not happy with the way we started the first-half, the first five minutes, and I told the players that we had to start the second-half completely different.

"It was something that we reinforced at half-time and it's really strange the way we started the second-half because we were aware that we had to start much quicker with much more of the ball.

"The reality was that we started the complete opposite of how we should and they punished us. We did create chances but it was much more difficult after 2-0."

Tom Cairney, Willian, João Palhinha, Adama Traoré and Armando Broja were all introduced, as Marco made changes to try and turn the game.

"Of course, it helps me when you are able to put the offensive players on that we did in the second-half.

"Some players, they had an impact in the game and it's always good when this happens. But it was not enough because we were already losing.

"We don't want to take credit away from Wolves. They fought, they did their best to win the game, but we lost the game this afternoon. It was ourselves. And this is what has to make us really disappointed and frustrated."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/march/09/post-wolves-press-conference/

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Fulham's Silva Eye Stability with Key Contract Talks

Fulham's Future: Silva's Strategy to Secure Key Players
As the Premier League season progresses, clubs are not only focused on their performance on the pitch but also on securing the future of their key players. Fulham, under the leadership of Marco Silva, is no exception, and recent developments indicate the club's intent to retain its core talent. According to an original article by The Standard, Fulham is in the midst of crucial contract negotiations with three of its standout players, highlighting the club's ambition to build a stable and competitive squad.

Contract Talks Underway
The spotlight falls on Tosin Adarabioyo, Bobby Decordova-Reid, and Kenny Tete, three players who have significantly contributed to Fulham's campaign this season. The club's proactive approach in securing these players showcases Silva's long-term vision for the team. Adarabioyo, in particular, has attracted interest from top clubs both domestically and internationally, underscoring the urgency for Fulham to secure his commitment. The Standard reports, "Centre-back Adarabioyo has been tracked by the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham, AC Milan and Napoli in recent months and is out of contract this summer."

Diverse Contract Situations
Silva shared insights into the varying contract situations of the trio, with a particular mention of Kenny Tete, whose contract includes an option for extension. This strategic clause offers Fulham flexibility in negotiations, illustrating the nuanced approach required in modern football management. Silva explained, "With Kenny, we have an option in his contract. We keep speaking with his agent, but the option is there any time we want to trigger it." This scenario contrasts with the imminent free agency of Adarabioyo and Decordova-Reid, intensifying the importance of ongoing discussions.

Building for the Future
Amidst these negotiations, Silva remains committed to Fulham's immediate challenges and future prospects. The emphasis on continuity and improvement resonates through his words, "Our ambition, and what we want, is to have them with us next season again." This sentiment is a testament to Silva's dedication to nurturing a cohesive and competitive squad, capable of challenging the Premier League's established hierarchy.

The Broader Context
The backdrop to these negotiations is Fulham's upcoming fixture against Wolves, a match that pits Silva against another highly regarded manager, Gary O'Neil. Such encounters not only underscore the competitive nature of the Premier League but also the importance of strategic foresight in club management. Silva's focus, however, remains unwavering, "All my focus is on Fulham Football Club and to keep improving this club on and off the pitch."

Negotiations between Fulham and its key players are more than mere contract talks; they represent the club's ambition, planning, and the intricate balance between immediate performance and long-term vision. As the season unfolds, the outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly impact Fulham's trajectory. With Silva at the helm, the club appears to be in capable hands, navigating the complexities of modern football with a clear focus on sustainability and success.



https://eplindex.com/106650/fulhams-silva-eye-stability-with-key-contract-talks.html

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Injuries mar Wolves' 2-1 win over Fulham in Premier League
WOLVERHAMPTON, England (AP) — Wolverhampton's bid for European qualification was boosted by a 2-1 victory over Fulham in the Premier League but it came at the expense of more injury woes on Saturday.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde limped off with around 10 minutes gone while fellow forward Pedro Neto, who had been passed fit after hamstring problems last weekend, pulled up just before halftime clutching the back of his left thigh.

The hosts made Fulham pay for missed opportunities, with Rayan Ait-Nouri scoring in the 52nd minute for his first goal since December 2022, followed by an own-goal by Tom Cairney.

Alex Iwobi grabbed a stoppage-time consolation for Fulham.

The result lifted Wolves up to eighth in the standings in the week when it was revealed the club will open contract talks with manager Gary O'Neil this summer.

Wolves' strong form had been halted by a 3-0 loss to Newcastle last weekend while Fulham — looking to win at Molineux for the first time since 1985 — had been chasing a third Premier League victory in a row.



https://apnews.com/article/wolves-fulham-score-a990f147e97cb7de5bff3d563d63fd31

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Injuries mar Wolves victory as Tom Cairney own goal condemns Fulham
Wolves beat Fulham 2-1 in the Premier League but the victory came at a cost for the home side with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Pedro Neto both suffering injuries

Wolves have taken a step closer to their European dream with a 2-1 win over Fulham, but it wasn't all good news as they faced more injury woes.

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde had to leave the pitch just after 10 minutes, and Pedro Neto, who was declared fit after a hamstring scare last weekend, had to stop just before half-time, holding his left thigh.

Despite this, Wolves made Fulham pay for their missed chances. Rayan Ait-Nouri scored his first goal since December 2022 in the 52nd minute, and Nelson Semedo added another with a deflected shot. Alex Iwobi managed to score a late consolation goal for Fulham.

This win has pushed Gary O'Neil's team up to eighth place in the Premier League table. It was also announced this week that Wolves will start contract talks with their manager this summer.

Wolves were looking to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle in their last match. Fulham, on the other hand, were hoping for their third consecutive Premier League win and their first victory at Molineux since 1985.

Fulham's recent success meant that Joao Palhinha, who was returning to the squad, had to start the game on the bench.

The game heated up in the 25th minute when Iwobi passed an excellent ball to Harry Wilson. But, with only the keeper to beat, he chose to shoot with the outside of his left foot and missed. Ait-Nouri and Mario Lemina nearly scored at the other end before Bernd Leno blocked them.

Fulham had another great chance in the 35th minute when Harrison Reed sent a ball across the goal for Tosin Adarabioyo, who saw his shot hit the top of the bar.

Fulham started the second half strong, with Wilson sending a curling shot just past the post.

But the first goal was scored by the home team. Substitute Toti took advantage of a weak header by Calvin Bassey from a Wolves free-kick and set up Ait-Nouri for a confident finish high into the net.

Fulham boss Marco Silva brought on Willian and Tom Cairney for Reed and Pereira, who looked disappointed. But their search for an equaliser left gaps at the back, and Wolves scored their second goal in the 67th minute.

Fraser, who had been working hard all game, was just onside when he received Gomes' pass. His attempted cross was blocked but Gomes cleverly back-heeled the ball to Semedo, whose shot deflected off Cairney and beat Leno.

Fulham nearly scored with 10 minutes left, but Sa made a fantastic save to deny substitute Palhinha. Kilman then headed Rodrigo Muniz's follow-up off the line. Wolves old boy Adama Traore's powerful run and shot forced another save from Sa.

Referee Tony Harrington lost patience with visiting manager Silva and showed him a yellow card. This added to a frustrating afternoon for Silva, which was only slightly improved by Iwobi's last-minute goal.



https://www.football.london/premier-league/injuries-mar-wolves-victory-tom-28788717

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Premier League record set after Alex Iwobi's 98th minute goal for Fulham in 2-1 loss to Wolves
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi's consolation goal for Fulham in their 2-1 loss to Wolves on Saturday evening has helped the Premier League set a new seasonal record.

The 27-year-old's late strike against Wolverhampton Wanderers was the 87th goal scored in the 90th minute or later in the Premier League this season, the most in the competition's history.

Iwobi's goal wasn't the only late strike netted on Saturday afternoon as Cauley Woodrow had helped Luton Town salvage a point against Crystal Palace in the 96th minute and Enes Unal did the same to help Bournemouth get a point in the 91st minute against relegation-threatened Sheffield United.

The Nigeria international has now scored twice for Fulham since his return from Africa Cup of Nations which makes him one of the most in-form players for Marco Silva's side.

With five goals to his credit already in the Premier League, he has found the back of the net more times this season than he has in the last two campaigns combined.

Alongside Bobby Reid, Rodrigo Muniz, and Raúl Jiménez, the Hale End Academy product is now joint top scorer for the Cottagers this term in the Premier League.

Iwobi was named in the Nigeria squad for their March internationals against Ghana's Black Stars and Les Aigles of Mali in the Moroccan city of Marrakech.

    90+1' Enes Unal
    90+6' Cauley Woodrow
    90+8' Alex Iwobi

    This season's 85th, 86th and 87th goals scored in the 90th minute or later ⏰ That's a new record for a single Premier League season! pic.twitter.com/guhGN1cSEK
    — Premier League (@premierleague) March 9, 2024

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid



https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=50744

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Wolves punish wasteful Fulham
Fulham were left ruing their failure to finish after a gutsy Wolverhampton Wanderers side shrugged off several injury setbacks to secure a slender win at Molineux this afternoon.

Marco Silva stuck with the same eleven that earned victories over Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion, which meant Joao Palhinha had to settle for a spot on the bench after his return from suspension. Silva's faith should have been rewarded with a half time lead but the visitors spurned several good chances during a dominant first half.

Andreas Pereira tested Jose Sa's reflexes early on with a clever curler but Harry Wilson should have put the Londoners ahead after surging onto Alex Iwobi's through ball. The Welsh winger screwed a rushed shot wide of goal before Tosin Adarabioyo rattled the crossbar when it seemed easier to score from Harrison Reed's cut back. Perhaps that should have been the clue that this wasn't going to be Fulham's day.

Gary O'Neill had to go back to the drawing board when his weakened squad suffered yet more injury wow. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde lasted only eleven minutes whilst the lovely Pedro Neto limped off at the end of the first half with a recurrence of his hamstring injury. Wolves' attack was intelligently led by teenager Nathan Fraser, who shone on his first start. The 19 year-old's first run might have brought a penalty, but the hosts best opening before the break arrived when the outstanding Mario Lemina threaded through Rayan Ait-Nouri only for Bernd Leno to intervene in the nick of time.

Wilson sent a curler agonisingly wide at the start of the second half, but Wolves earned the opening goal by pressing Fulham from the front. Reed gave away a free kick and Toti took advantage of a poor clearing header from Calvin Bassey, turning the loose ball into the path of Ait-Nouri, who hammered his first goal since December 2002 high into the net from close range.

Silva sent on Tom Cairney and Willian, but the Fulham captain inadvertently played a key part in doubling their deficit. Fraser burst onto Joao Gomes' pass and when his cross was blocked, Gomes' backheel gave Nelson Semedo a sight of goal. The full back's shot was deflected past a disbelieving Leno by the luckless Cairney.

A flurry of Fulham changes saw the visitors finish on the front foot. Sa saved superbly from Palhinha before Max Kilman magnificently cleared Rodrigo Muniz's header from beneath his own bar. Sa was then at full stretch to deny Adama Traoré a trademark goal on his return to Molineux. Man of the match Lemina couldn't quite kill off his old club when he raced through on Leno at the start of stoppage time, but Wolves clung on for a valuable victory despite Iwobi flicking in Armando Broja's ball right at the death.

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS (4-2-3-1): Sa; Semedo, Ait-Nouri, S. Bueno, Kilman; M. Lemina, Gomes; Sarabia, Neto (Toti 45), Bellegarde (Doyle 11); Fraser (Doherty 77). Subs (not used): Bentley, B. Traoré, N. Lemina, H. Bueno, Chirewa, Chiwome.

BOOKED: Semedo, Bueno.

GOALS: Ait-Nouri (52), Cairney (o.g. 67).

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne (Broja 80), A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Bassey; Reed (Cairney 61), Lukic (Palhinha 70); Wilson (A. Traoré 70), Iwobi, Pereira (Willian 62); Muniz. Subs (not used): Rodak, Tete, Ream, De Cordova-Reid.

BOOKED: Reed, Palhinha.

GOAL: Iwobi (90+8).

REFEREE: Tony Harrington (Teesside).

ATTENDANCE: 30,860



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/wolves-punish-wasteful-fulham/

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Silva bemoans Fulham's shoddy second-half start
Marco Silva admitted Fulham paid the price for a shoddy start to the second half in their 2-1 defeat at Wolves.

Rayan Ait-Nouri opened the scoring seven minutes after the restart and worse followed for the visitors when Nelson Semedo's shot was deflected in by the unfortunate Tom Cairney. Alex Iwobi pulled a goal back in the final moments.

Whites boss Silva said: "We started too slow in the second half. Our build-up was too slow, losing some balls in dangerous areas, and of course that created momentum for them.

"It's really strange the way we started the second half because we were aware that we had to start much quicker with much more of the ball.

"We started the complete opposite of how we should and they punished us. We did create chances but it was much more difficult after 2-0."

The defeat was a blow for Fulham after excellent performances in recent wins against Manchester United and Brighton.

Silva added: "We don't want to take credit away from Wolves. But we lost the game this afternoon. It was ourselves. This is what has to make us really disappointed and frustrated."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-bemoans-fulhams-shoddy-second-half-start

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Arsenal and Liverpool linked with Premier League ace who could cost £90 million
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha has been linked with a move away from the club and the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have been mentioned as potential destinations.

According to journalist Dean Jones, Palhinha could be a tremendous signing for the two clubs and he could be gettable this summer for the right price.

Meanwhile, a report from TEAMtalk claims that the midfielder is valued at £90 million. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool and Arsenal are prepared to pay that kind of money for him.

The 28-year-old has established himself as a reliable defensive midfielder in the Premier League, and he was heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich during the January transfer window. It remains to be seen whether the German champions return for him at the end of the season.

Joao Palhinha would improve both teams
Liverpool could certainly use a quality defensive midfielder like him. Although Wataru Endo has done an impressive job since moving to the Premier League, Liverpool need more depth in the position. Palhinha is at the peak of his powers and he will add defensive cover and physicality to the Liverpool midfield.

Meanwhile, Arsenal might need to replace Thomas Partey at the end of the season. The Ghana international has had his fair share of injury problems and Arsenal need to bring in alternatives.

Palhinha could form a strong partnership with Declan Rice in the middle middle of the park.

Arsenal and Liverpool will have to pay a premium in order to secure his services and it remains to be seen how the situation develops. The opportunity to play for clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool will certainly be an attractive proposition for the Portuguese international, and he is likely to be tempted.

However, it is fair to assume that Fulham will have to be reasonable with their demands in order for the move to go through.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/03/10/arsenal-and-liverpool-linked-with-premier-league-ace-who-could-cost-90-million/

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Silva frustrated by self-inflicted defeat
Marco Silva was bitterly disappointed by Fulham's defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers – slamming his side's sloppy start to the second half.

The visitors dominated the first half at Molineux and could quite easily have been in front after Harry Wilson and Tosin Adarabioyo missed glorious chances, but found themselves 2-0 down after they failed to heed the head coach's instructions during the interval.

Silva told his post-match press conference:

"I was not happy with the way we started the first half, the first five minutes, and I told the players that we had to start the second half completely different. It was something that we reinforced at half-time and it's really strange the way we started the second-half because we were aware that we had to start much quicker with much more of the ball. We started really, really bad in the second half,. Not with the intensity we want and gave them the chance to press us. We gave them the ball in positions we shouldn't and the goals come from those moments.

"We don't want to take credit away from Wolves. They fought, they did their best to win the game, but we lost the game this afternoon. It was ourselves. And this is what has to make us really disappointed and frustrated. We created enough to be leading the scoreline at half-time, but we started too slow in the second half. Our build-up was too slow, losing some balls in dangerous areas, and of course, that created momentum for them.

The Portuguese boss also felt Fulham should have been far more clinical in front of goal.

"We have to be frustrated. It is a big disappointment for us. We did create enough chances to win this game, that is the reality. First half it was just chances for us and some clear ones. [There were] some great saves from Jose Sa, but with the chances we had, you expect the ball to be in the net. We have to be clinical and ruthless at this level, we weren't and we were punished by those mistakes."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/silva-frustrated-by-self-inflicted-defeat/

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Iwobi rues 'missed opportunity'
Goalscorer Alex Iwobi reflected on a 'missed opportunity' as Fulham paid the penalty for failing to take their chances in a 2-1 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday.

The Nigerian international's terrifically taken late strike wasn't enough to salvage a point after Rayan Ait-Nouri and a deflected Nelson Semedo strike saw Wolves punish a slow Fulham start to the second period at Molineux.

Iwobi told FFCTV after the final whistle:

"It feels like an opportunity missed, we had an opportunity to be clinical, but it wasn't the case. They took their chances, and my goal at the end was a bit too late. We lost concentration and focus and we spoke about it after the game. We need to be concentrated for the full ninety minutes. We can't switch off at this stage, we go again."

The 27 year-old, who has returned from the African Cup of Nations to continue his fine start to his Fulham career, credited manager Marco Silva with inspiring the best goalscoring campaign of his career. Iwobi's flicked finish deep into stoppage time was his sixth goal in 23 games since moving to Craven Cottage from Everton earlier this season.

"I enjoy playing under the gaffer and he gives me the confidence to keep going and play my football, so hopefully, the next goal will be on the winning side. It's a bit of good form, and hopefully it can continue."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/iwobi-rues-missed-opportunity/

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Gofford guns down Arsenal
A fine first-half strike from Ollie Gofford was enough for Fulham under-18s to secure an impressive victory over Arsenal at Motspur Park this morning.

The midfielder found the bottom left corner of the net with a precise finish just before the half hour mark as Ali Melloul's side consolidated their hold on fourth place in the U18 Premier League. The Whites could have gone ahead earlier in the contest but winger Farhaan Ali-Wahid's shot was superbly tipped onto the post by debutant Arsenal goalkeeper Jack Porter.

The Gunners, coached by Jack Wilshere, enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the first period, but were limited to fairly few sights of goal with Marco Underwood denying Ismeal Kabia after the left winger had dribbled past two defenders. Underwood got fingertips to a rising drive from full back Cam'ron Ismail after the interval, but Fulham, with Chibby Nwoko filling in at left back, defended diligently and kept a clean sheet despite late pressure from the visitors. Osman Kamara and Chido Obi-Martin missed chances as the young Whites held on to claim an excellent derby victory.

FULHAM UNDER 18s (4-2-3-1): Underwood; de Jesus, Nwoko, Tabares, Nsasi; Quashie, Gofford; Olyott, Ali Wahid (White 90+3), Ridgeon (Wingate 84); Loupalo-Bi. Subs (not used): Varney, Schutter.

BOOKED: Quashie.

GOAL: Gofford (29).

ARSENAL UNDER 18s (4-1-2-3): Porter; Julienne, Ismail, Kacurri (Ibrahim 76), Sweet; Rosiak; Copley (Casey 64), Dudziak; Kamara, Kabia (Benjamin 45), Obi. Subs (not used): Ranson, Akolbiere.

BOOKED: Kabia, Rosiak, Sweet.

REFEREE: Matthew Ball.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/gofford-guns-down-arsenal/

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Fulview for March 2024
I have to kick March off with a big apology for not recognizing our sponsors over the last few months. A job change for me combined with some international travel kept me distracted from the most important thing in life - Fulham!

So, please give a big thanks to @sacffc for sponsoring November, @astroevan for December and January, and @pettyfog for February and March! Despite my negligence over the past few months, your support is greatly appreciated! Thanks for keeping the servers humming.

Fulham enters March in a pretty comfortable position with safety all but assured. Fulham is just six points away from 38 points - which is typically enough for safety. With 12 matches remaining, that should be easy to reach. Fulham are also well off the pace for any European spots so it looks like another mid-table finish for Fulham although likely a few spots lower than last season. My personal hope for Fulham is to finish above both Brentford and Chelsea.

With Fulham's future in Premier League likely to continue for another season, I present the question that is most on my mind now:

Is Rodrigo Muniz the real deal?

I thought after his first three goals against Burnley and Bournemouth it was just a fluke. But then he scored again against Villa and played incredibly well against Manchester United despite not scoring. His performance against Man. U. gave his critics a lot to consider. He did a great job of making sucking in defenders and getting the ball to players in space (kind of like a former Serbian we used to like). In the first half, his block, touch, pivot, shoot maneuver was a thing of beauty and would have been Goal of the Month for sure had it not crashed against the post. He set up a number of opportunities that really should have been converted by his teammates and his header to Traore is what set Fulham off on the winning goal.

Despite all that, I'm still skeptical. I'm thrilled he's on a good run and I hope it keeps going. However, his play still has a lack of polish to it that I think will catch up eventually. I won't be surprised if Fulham heads to Forest a month from now with Broja starting. Feburary 2024 was peak Muniz - I think it he reverts to form in March. Any Muniz fans want to argue otherwise?



https://fulhamusa.com/threads/fulview-for-march-2024.10522/