Sunday Fulham Stuff - 17/03/24...

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Results

Saturday 16/03
Burnley	2-1	Brentford
Luton	1-1	Forest
Fulham	3-0	Spurs
Muniz(x2) Lukic

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Fulham 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Muniz is now Fulham's top scorer in the Premier League this season with seven goals

Tottenham missed the chance to move into the Premier League top four as Rodrigo Muniz scored two more goals to fire Fulham to an impressive victory at Craven Cottage.

Brazilian Muniz found the net either side of Sasa Lukic's first strike for the Cottagers to take his total to seven goals in his past seven games.

The striker slotted home in the first half after controlling Antonee Robinson's cross and then reacted quickest to bundle in the loose ball at a second-half corner in a fully deserved win for the home side.

Spurs, who would have gone above fourth-placed Aston Villa with victory, were surprisingly lacklustre from the outset. They would have gone behind early on if not for blocks by Radu Dragusin and Cristian Romero to deny Andreas Pereira, while Guglielmo Vicario also saved well from Lukic.

James Maddison shot narrowly wide in the first half and Timo Werner failed to convert with the goal gaping in the second as Ange Postecoglou's side failed to back up impressive wins over Crystal Palace and Villa in the previous two games.

Villa will regain their five-point cushion on Sunday if they win at West Ham.

Fulham, meanwhile, remain 12th but are themselves only five points adrift of the Hammers in seventh.

Sorry Spurs disappoint
The rampant 4-0 win at Villa Park seemed to give Spurs all of the momentum in the race for the top four and a guaranteed place in the Champions League next season.

For all of the good in that win, this performance was equally bad - Spurs failing to apply more pressure to Villa when given the luxury of playing a day earlier.

The visitors started slowly and conceded a sloppy goal three minutes before half-time. Then, rather than grabbing the initiative after the break, they emerged in similarly timid fashion and Lukic converted within four minutes.

Crucially, Postecoglou was missing centre-back Micky van de Ven because of injury. The last time he was ruled out Spurs embarked on a four-game winless run.

In the Dutchman's absence, January signing Dragusin was given a first start but the Romanian allowed Muniz to drift into too much space for the opener and was beaten to the bouncing ball for the third.

Postecoglou made a triple change in the second half and his side briefly improved, only for Werner's finishing touch to desert him after goals in his previous two games. That miss ensured failed to score in a Premier League game for the first time under the Australian manager.

Next for them is a home game against Luton when they will look to make sure this can be put down as a bad day.

Muniz does it again
Muniz, 22, only scored twice on loan in the Championship at Middlesbrough last season. Two more goals here made him Fulham's top scorer, despite not finding the net until the first week of February.

They were two different strikes but both showed his poacher's instinct as became the first Fulham player to score in four consecutive Premier League home matches.

His run of form has come with a succession of starts after Raul Jimenez was injured. The Mexican is now fit again - he replaced Muniz in the second half after the match-winner took a knock in scrambling in the second - but faces a tough task to win back his place.

Fulham had lost 14 of their past 16 Premier League games against Tottenham and were winless in their past nine. This victory could not have been more deserved.

Lukic's goal was also a fine move with Timothy Castagne charging forward from right-back to cross into the middle. The Serb's finish was fortunate, the ball deflecting in off his knee, but he still rightly wheeled away in celebration.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68519744

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Post-Spurs Press Conference
Marco Silva puts Saturday's victory over Tottenham Hotspur as potentially our best result of the season.

After being the first side to stop Spurs from scoring in 2023/24, Silva was asked if the 3-0 win was the highlight of the campaign so far.

"Yes, I have to say that it's there at the top," he replied. "If not the best, it's one of the best.

"First half clearly was our best half this season. I think the players did it brilliantly. It was almost a complete performance in the first half.

"Of course it was crucial, the moment that we scored the goal, but first 20-25 minutes we created so many dangerous moments around their box, some inside the six yard box as well, some very good moments for us to score.

"We were really solid as a team, we defended really well, some moments we pressed them a little bit more high, and other moments we had to be solid in our block.

"The trigger for the pressure worked really well, we clearly blocked them inside, and the moments that Timothy and Robinson jumped out wide to press them worked really well.

"We know that we're a really dangerous side as well, to punish the opposition side. It was really important the way we scored two quick goals second half to almost kill the game.

"And, after, we managed the game throughout the minutes during the second half. A little bit more fatigue last 10 minutes, but as a whole it was a great performance for us, really at the top.

"The collective performance was really, really good. It's difficult to mention just one or two players because some players – wow, what a performance from some of them."

Spurs look set to secure Champions League football, aided by a comprehensive win at fellow challengers Aston Villa last week, but were second best throughout at the Cottage.

"The three points are clearly well deserved, against a very good side," Silva said. "The way they won last week, and what they have been doing so far this season, shows that.

"The way they won 4-0 away from home against Villa was like a statement for them in their fight for the Champions League.

"We knew that we were going to face a really brave team, but tonight we knew as well that we have to be, if not braver than them, at least at the same level. And we did it – the players executed really well the plan.

"And I have to mention the fans because the noise was really good at Craven Cottage tonight."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/march/16/post-spurs-press-conference/

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Chelsea Set to receive £4 Million as Fulham fail to meet Armando Broja threshold
Chelsea are set to receive a financial compensation aggregating to £4 million as Armando Broja is not named in the starting lineup for Fulham in their Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur.

Fulham brought in the 22-year-old for a season-long loan in the Winter transfer window from their London rivals Chelsea. The Cottagers were initially told to pay £50 million to acquire the Albanian forward's services on a permanent basis but eventually, the clubs settled on a loan agreement with the fee directly dependent on the number of games Broja plays, with the Craven Cottage side refusing to bow to the Blues' £5 million loan fee demand.

According to a report by Daily Mail, Fulham had agreed to pay an £750,000 initial fee for Broja which rises to £4 million if the 22-year-old starts lower than 60 per cent of their remaining games in the season.

There are only ten games left for the conclusion of the Premier League campaign and Armando Broja is yet to make a single start for Marco Silva's side. Fulham, at the time of Broja's signing, had 16 games to go for them to call it a season. Meaning if he doesn't start against Tottenham today, which he hasn't, it will be impossible for them to meet the threshold.

Broja has only appeared four times wearing a Fulham badge, all from the bench since swapping clubs in London. He has yet to feature more than 16 minutes in a single outing.



https://www.astamfordbridgetoofar.com/2024/03/chelsea-to-pocket-4m-thanks-to-armando-broja-exclusion-vs-tottenham/

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Two more goals for Muniz as Fulham crush Spurs
Rodrigo Muniz scored twice and Sasa Lukic got his first goal for Fulham in a thumping derby victory for the Whites.

Muniz's brace continued the striker's remarkable form, taking his tally to seven goals in as many matches. It helped secure in-form Fulham's third win in their past four games – and it was the first time Tottenham have failed to score this season.

The hosts went ahead when Antonee Robinson swung in an excellent cross from the left and Muniz controlled it superbly before finding the far corner.

They doubled their lead early in the second half when a slick move culminated in Alex Iwobu playing the ball to Timothy Castagne, whose cross from the right was kneed into the net by Lukic.

And Muniz struck again just after the hour mark, this time after Tottenham failed to clear a corner.

Calvin Bassey's close-range effort was pushed onto the post by keeper Guglielmo Vicario and Muniz got in front of Spurs defender Radu Dragusin to poke in the loose ball – picking up a heavy knock in the process.

Fulham thought they had added a fourth when Joao Palhinha fired into the net, but the goal was disallowed because Raul Jimenez was offside.
Fulham: Leno, Castagne (Tete 81), Bassey, Adarabioyo, Robinson, Pereira (Wilson 72), Palhinha, Lukic (Reed 81), Willian, Iwobi (De Cordova-Reid 81), Muniz (Jimenez 64)
Subs not used: Rodak, Cairney, Traore, Ream.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-v-tottenham-report-160324

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Fulham 3-0 Tottenham: Marco Silva gets better of Ange Postecoglou as Cottagers crowbar Spurs open
Rodrigo Muniz hits brace in convincing win

Tottenham were blown away by Fulham in a 3-0 win for the Cottagers on Saturday evening.

Rodrigo Muniz scored twice, either side of a rare Sasa Lukic strike, to put a dent in Spurs' top-four ambitions on a night when Ange Postecoglou's gameplan was willfully crowbarred open by his opponent.

Marco Silva's side started brightly as Spurs struggled to click into gear, relying on centre-back stalwart Cristian Romero to pull off early blocks to deny Muniz and Andreas Pereira as Fulham created problems down both flanks.

It took until the 25th minute for the visitors to fire a shot on goal yet half-chances for Heung-min Son, James Maddison and full debutant Radu Dragusin passed them by.

The game was set to enter the break goalless but the Cottagers' desire to hit their opponents hard and fast paid off in the 42nd minute, when a delightful Antonee Robinson cross picked out Muniz to make it 1-0.

Tottenham soared to a four-goal win in their previous away game, at Aston Villa last week, thanks to a storming second-half performance but Fulham came out quicker after this break and quickly made it two.

It was down the flanks where Spurs were found to be most porous again as Timothy Castagne had time and space to cross from the right and Lukic turned the ball home, perhaps a little inadvertently, for his first goal for the west Londoners.

With half an hour to go, the traffic continued to only go one way and Fulham's greater desire showed as Muniz scored his second, after Calvin Bassey wrestled his marker off to spin and hit the post from a corner before the Brazilian beat Dragusin to the rebound.

Postecoglou made a triple substitution - which was too little, too late - after Joao Palhinha had a fourth ruled out for Raul Jimenez being offside as he deflected it in. One of those off the bench, Timo Werner, failed to convert with the goal gaping at the far post moments after Brennan Johnson had flapped at a sitter - although VAR may have found him to be offside. Richarlison also entered the fray, on his return from injury, to miss two decent chances.

The win keeps Fulham 12th in the Premier League table but moves them to within four points off eighth place, which could yet deliver European football, while Spurs stay fifth having missed their chance to leapfrog Aston Villa.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-tottenham-premier-league-2024-b1145770.html

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Fulham 3-0 Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou's Champions League ambitions are dealt a huge blow as Rodrigo Munez's brace fires hosts to stunning win at Craven Cottage

    Fulham secured a clean-sheet victory against Tottenham at Craven Cottage
    Goals from Rodrigo Munez and Sasa Lukic sealed a huge win over Spurs

It was impossible to tell which London club has Champions League aspirations, and which one sat in mid-table with little tangible to play for.

Fulham set about their illustrious Cockney rivals with an intensity and energy Ange Postecoglu's men simply couldn't live with.

A week after thumping European rivals Aston Villa 4-0, this was a sorry Tottenham performance that harked back to their Spursy days.

No wonder Postecoglu looked even sterner than usual on the touchline. He made a triple change midway through the second half with his side already 3-0 down but the improvement was slight rather than game-changing.

By the end, even captain Son Heung-Min had been hooked in what was a baptism of fire for centre-half Radu Dragosin on his first Premier League start replacing Micky van de Ven.


Rodrigo Munez scored twice as Fulham thrashed Tottenham 3-0 at Craven Cottage
 

Ange Postecoglou's Champions League ambitions were dealt a huge blow in the defeat
 

Muniz was twice on target against Spurs as he continued his scoring spree for Fulham
At the same time, Fulham deserve a huge amount of credit for the effort, and skill, they put in.

Striker Rodrigo Muniz was the attention-grabber with a brace that took his scoring run to seven goals in seven games, leaving to hero's ovation after hurting himself in scoring the second.

No wonder Fulham boss Marco Silva felt comfortable leaving out Armando Broja once again even though it leaves his club with a £4million bill to Chelsea under the terms of his January loan deal.

Sandwiched in between Muniz's goals was Sasa Lukic's first for the club at the 34th attempt, the ball coming off his left knee at a perfect angle to beat Guglielmo Vicario.

They were only denied a fourth by Joao Palhinha with a VAR offside decision. Spurs couldn't have complained if the margin of defeat had been bigger.

'We never got to grips with the game,' admitted Postecoglu, not trying to conceal his disappointment.

'We weren't great, especially in the second half. The first half was even enough, we conceded a disappointing goal. In the second half, the intensity dropped.

'Our final third play wasn't great. But it's more the overall play that was disappointing. There are things we've done all year we've prided ourselves on, our tempo, but that wasn't there.'


Sasa Lukic scored his first goal for the club shortly after the start of the second half
 

Tottenham were only denied a fourth by Joao Palhinha with a VAR offside decision
He was also keen however not to disregard the overall picture of an otherwise healthy season. 'It's more like four steps forward, one step back. If we go one step forward, one back, we'd be more like in 18th position!'

Fulham started with a bang with midfielder Andreas Pereira, called up by Brazil for next week's friendly, at the heart of everything.

Even by Spurs standards, they looked easy to counter-attack against.

Vicario saved from Willian and Cristian Romero needed a heroic block to stop Pereira.

Tottenham's only respite was a weak shot by Brennan Johnson at Bernd Leno and misses by Maddison and Son. It was no surprise they fell behind shortly before the interval.

Fulham finally took the lead they deserved approaching half-time. Pereira found space to release buccaneering full-back Antonee Robinson and the American's low cross was buried by Munoz showing his current confidence.

Spurs held a group huddle before the start of the second half but found themselves further behind within five minutes.

Alex Iwobi played in Timothy Castagne on the overlap. From his cross into the box, Lukic stretched and the ball diverted past Vicario in a flash.

It was no surprise a Fulham third was added on the hour. Vicario had already saved from Castagne when his parry from Calvin Bassey landed kindly for Muniz who reacted quicker than Dragosin to prod home the rebound.

The striker looked in pain as he celebrated and was taken off shortly afterwards to loud chants of "Moo-niz" from around the stadium.

Postecuglu had seen enough and took off Maddison, Yves Bissouma and Papa Sarr. Two of the replacements Timo Werner and Rodrigo Bentancur tested Bernd Leno, as did Richarlison when he came on for the last 10 minutes.

But it was in reality far too little, far too late. It's been mostly highs for Postecoglu since he arrived in north London but this was a definite low and the first time his side have failed to score in the league.

Maybe Marco Silva should start getting the credit he deserves now. Following promotion and a top-half Premier League finish in his first two seasons, nobody even talks about Fulham now as relegation candidates.

Robinson said: 'We've had our moments this season and that's going to be up there. To do it in the way we did and to keep a keep clean means it's right up there for me.

'It's a real trend of ours, I don't think we've lost a game when we've scored first. We really showed we wanted to win that game. We kept our shape well and counter attacked really effectively.'


Fulham manager Marco Silva was delighted as his side secured an emphatic victory



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13205289/Fulham-3-0-Tottenham-premier-league-match-result-2024.html

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Sorry Spurs humbled by Fulham as Cottagers hand Ange Postecoglou worst day in charge
FULHAM 3-0 TOTTENHAM: Ange Postecoglou's team suffered a severe setback in their chase for top four spot as Rodrigo Muniz spearheaded an impressive win at Craven Cottage

What a difference a week makes for Tottenham Hotspur. Six days on from tearing top-four rivals Aston Villa apart in ruthless fashion, this was the lowest night so far of Ange Postecoglou's brief reign, featuring a lesson from the in-form striker no one saw coming.

Rodrigo Muniz has appeared from what feels like nowhere to go on a run of seven goals in as many games and the young Brazilian striker bookended a fine win for Fulham, with the middle goal coming from an even more unlikely source in midfielder Sasa Lukic.

But it was hard to escape the feeling that Marco Silva's hosts, for all their bravery and efficiency, caught Tottenham on a remarkable off day.

The sight of James Maddison walking off in the 65th minute, following a bruising evening, summed their performance up. The England international was described earlier this week as a "complete player" by Cesc Fabregas, one of the Premier League's greatest creators.

And while he looked like Spurs' most dangerous player at the Cottage before being removed with the result decided, a familiar edge and spark was absent.

There was a brief spell midway through a fine second half in which Maddison began to probe, setting up Son and Brennan Johnson for good opportunities that neither could place on target before dragging his own decent shot wide having been fed by Destiny Udogie on the half hour.

But it then began to turn pear-shaped for Ange Postecoglou's side, while Maddison was on the end of two heavy challenges from the typically combative Joao Palhinha that will leave him feeling sore tomorrow morning.

He kept trying while those around him appeared on different wavelengths and the less said about his replacement Timo Werner producing an inexplicable miss within two minutes of joining the action the better.

Four yards out and unmarked, the Germany international conspired to place his effort off target when there was still a slim chance of a fightback. Richarlison later went on to fire another decent attempt wide.

Once Spurs have dissected this disastrous showing, they might also begin feeling rather thankful towards West Ham, whose Europa League win on Thursday should at least mean fifth in the Premier League is good enough for a Champions League spot.

Having forced Villa to cripple under the pressure last weekend, this opportunity to ramp it up further was spectacularly missed.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/sorry-spurs-humbled-fulham-cottagers-32372469

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Tottenham Suffer Champions League Blow With 3-0 Loss to Fulham
A perfect result for Unai Emery and Aston Villa as Spurs lose in the Premier League.

    Spurs lost 3-0 to Fulham, which is a big blow to their Champions League hopes.
    Rodrigo Muniz stole the show with a fine brace for the home team.
    Despite a previous win against Aston Villa, Spurs failed to capitalise on that momentum and now remain two points behind the Villans.

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a major blow in their hopes to secure Champions League football next season after losing away against Fulham.

It was a tight enough first half but Rodrigo Muniz made the breakthrough, finishing with real confidence after receiving a fine pass from Antonee Robinson. Just moments into the second 45', Sasa Lukic managed to flick in a cross to double the home team's lead.

Muniz then made it 3-0 in the 61st minute. With that strike, he has now scored more Premier League goals since the start of February than any other player (7). Fulham looked to have then added a fourth but Joao Palhinha's deflected shot went in off an offside Raul Jimenez and so was rightfully ruled out.

In the end, that didn't matter as the Cottagers were able to hold onto their three-goal cushion and pick up all the points, leaving them 12th in the league – just one place behind west London rivals Chelsea.

Although, Marco Silva's men could have been in for a nervy finish had Timo Wener found the back of the net from just a few yards out. He inexplicably missed a guilt-edged chance to pull one back for his team – as you can see in the footage below.

Troubling Times For Postecoglou
"One Step Back"

Manager Ange Postecoglou didn't appear to be happy before the game, chastising a journalist for using the term "plastic fans" and this result certainly wouldn't have helped ease the Australian's poor mood. At least Spurs have a comfortable six-point lead over Manchester United.

Speaking to BBC Sport after the game, when asked if it feels like one step forward, one step back, the Spurs boss replied: "It's more like four steps forward, one step back. If we go one step forward, one back, we'd be more like in 18th position."

 Spurs Drop Points in European Race
Aston Villa to Play Tomorrow

Spurs came into the match off the back of a comprehensive 4-0 win away against Aston Villa. This could have signified a big moment in the race for fourth place but the north London outfit failed to capitalise on this step in the right direction by taking two steps backwards.

As a result, they finish the day two points behind Unai Emery and co, with the Villans set to play away at West Ham United in their Premier League fixture on Sunday.

Of course, teams in England's top flight might not have to finish in the top four this season to get a spot in the Champions League next season. This is because there are two extra places up for grabs in Europe this season, but with Italy and Germany also fighting for those slots, both Spurs and Villa can't afford to take anything for granted.



https://www.givemesport.com/tottenham-suffer-champions-league-blow-with-3-0-loss-to-fulham/

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Rodrigo Muniz nets brace as Fulham brush past subpar Tottenham Hotspur
Rodrigo Muniz netted a brace to guide Fulham to a comprehensive 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage.

Both teams had chances to open the scoring before Muniz found the net in the closing stages of the first period to give the hosts a slender half-time lead.

Buoyed by their opener, Fulham moved through the gears after the break to add a second and third through Sasa Lukic and Muniz respectively.

Fulham then saw a potential fourth goal ruled out, but it mattered very little, as they stood firm to become the first team to stop Tottenham from scoring in a Premier League game this season.

While 12th-placed Fulham can celebrate their first home league victory over Spurs since November 2008, the visitors are left to reflect upon a disappointing performance which leaves them in fifth spot and two points adrift of the top four.

Fulham began the contest on the front foot, with Andreas Pereira forcing Cristian Romero to make a crucial block shortly before Guglielmo Vicario was required to keep Lukic at bay.

After soaking up the early Fulham pressure, Tottenham started to grow into the contest and offer their own threat in the final third.

Wales international Brennan Johnson would have been disappointed to guide a tame effort straight at Bernd Leno after being teed up by James Maddison's well-weighted pass.

Maddison then attempted to catch Leno off-guard with a near-post strike, but the former Leicester City man could only send his shot wide of the German's goal.

Just as it seemed as though momentum was swinging in Tottenham's favour, Marco Silva's side wrestled back control thanks to Muniz's 42nd-minute effort.

The Brazilian collected Antonee Robinson's inch-perfect cross, before keeping his composure to slot into the bottom corner.

Ange Postecoglou would have been desperate to see a positive response from his team after the break, but the Spurs boss could only watch on as Fulham doubled their advantage within four minutes of the restart.

Lukic stuck out his left knee to divert Timothy Castagne's cross beyond the helpless Vicario to register his first goal for the West London club.

With Spurs on the ropes, a confident Fulham side went on the hunt for a third, with Castagne forcing Vicario into a near-post stop.

However, the Tottenham goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Muniz from grabbing his second of the game in the 61st minute.

The 22-year-old pounced on a rebound after Calvin Bassey had thumped the post to tap in his seventh goal in as many matches.

With momentum firmly in their favour, Fulham thought they had added a fourth when Joao Palhinha's drilled strike flicked off Raul Jimenez and into the net, but the goal was swiftly chalked off for an offside infringement against the Mexican.

Timo Werner and Richarlison both spurned chances to get Tottenham on the board in the final quarter, but those misses ultimately summed up a forgettable outing at Craven Cottage.

Vicario at least managed to stop Fulham from netting a fourth in stoppage time, making a strong save to keep Harry Wilson's powerful effort out.

With the Premier League set to stop for the international break, Fulham will return to action against Sheffield United at the end of the month, while Spurs will look to get back on track in a home meeting with Luton Town.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/spurs/result/rodrigo-muniz-nets-brace-as-fulham-brush-past-subpar-spurs_539159.html?newsnow

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Fulham player ratings - 'Phenomenal' 10/10 and 'purring' 9 in unforgettable Spurs victory
Fulham put in a purring performance against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage to stun the visitors 3-0.

It was an evening to remember under the lights at Craven Cottage as Fulham stunned Europe-chasing Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 on the banks of the Thames.

The Cottagers were spearheaded by the in-form Rodrigo Muniz up front as the Brazilian grabbed his sixth and seventh goal in his last seven outings. Sasa Lukic also hit the back of the net as Marco Silva's side bounced back from defeat against Wolves in a convincing manner.

There will be an inquisition in North London next week after Ange Postecoglou's men struggled to get a look in against their London rivals. Here's how the players rated on Saturday.

1. Bernd Leno - 8
A clean sheet against Spurs is no easy achievement. It wasn't wholly convincing but the ball stayed out the net and that's his job done.

2. Timothy Castagne - 6
Some suspect defending from a corner early on and struggled against Werner's pace when he came on. Wasn't clinical when through on goal around 59 minutes but picked up an assist for Lukic's goal - even if the midfielder may not have been the intended recipient.

3. Calvin Bassey - 8
Drove his side forward from defence at times and it was his physical presence that kept the corner alive for Muniz's second.

4. Tosin Adarabioyo - 7
Some crucial interventions to make up for Fulham mistakes in the first half but his sloppy header to Leno in the 39th minute could have ended worse. Confident overall.

5. Antonee Robinson - 10
One of the Premier League's most underrated full-backs. His pace was always a threat and his intensity unmatched. It was a huge shift and his cross to tee up Muniz's first was glorious. A phenomenal player.

6. Joao Palhinha - 8
Was everywhere as usual, chopping up Spurs play at the heart of midfield. Saw yellow for a lunge on James Maddison, which was a nasty challenge. Shame he didn't get his goal

7. Sasa Lukic - 9
A purring performance from the midfielder. He was positive from the off and deserved his goal.

8. Alex Iwobi - 8
A calm presence on the wing, Iwobi did the right thing every time he got the ball. Came in and out of the match but is quality overall at the moment.

9. Andreas Pereira - 6
Pulled the strings in the opening 15 minutes but saw his presence fade before his second half sub. Not a bad performance tonight but not at his best.

10. Willian - 7
Such a clever player. Showed what he's capable of at times this evening but other Fulham stars will take the headlines.

11. Rodrigo Muniz - 9
If he keeps scoring like this, he'll soon be a Fulham cult hero. A great finisher, he is loving life at the moment. Fingers crossed his injury is not serious.

12. SUB - Harrison Reed - 6
A not miraculous but solid role from the bench.

13. SUB - Harry Wilson - 8
Added energy to the side off the bench and caused problems with his closing down right away.

14. SUB - Raul Jimenez - 6
Good to see the striker back in action. His only major intervention was to be offside when Palhinha stuck the ball in the back of the net.

15. SUB - Bobby De Cordova-Reid - 7
A couple nice moments in his cameo.

16. SUB - Kenny Tete - 7
Showed enthusiasm at full-back.

17. Tom Cairney - N/A
Unused sub.

18. Tim Ream - N/A
Unused sub.

19. Adama Traore - N/A
Unused sub.

20. Marek Rodak - N/A
Unused sub.



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/fulham-player-ratings-phenomenal-1010-and-purring-9-in-unforgettable-spurs-victory-4558147

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Fulham 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur: Courageous Cottagers crush substandard Spurs
That is not a match I ever want to watch again.

They say streaks are made to be broken.

That was the case for Tottenham Hotspur in their match today against Fulham. The Lilywhites had been undefeated in nine matches in the league against their London opponents, with Fulham's last victory over Spurs a fateful one in the 2012/13 season that prevented Tottenham finishing in the top four.

Expectations were high for Spurs, with a strong squad at Ange Postecoglou's disposal. He made one enforced change from the win over Aston Villa, with Mickey van de Ven unavailable due to a hamstring issue. Radu Dragusin was handed his first Premier League start in the Dutchman's place, and there was also a return to the squad for Richarlison, making the bench after recovering from injury.

Spurs were nearly the architects of their own demise early, with a poor giveaway by James Maddison leading to a shot that Cristian Romero did very well to block. The Lilywhites seemed almost half-asleep, with a number of turnovers and misplaced passes ceding possession to Fulham. The Cottagers put Guglielmo Vicario and the Tottenham backline under pressure, with the Italian called into action multiple times and Romero coming up big once more with a close-range block on Andreas Pereira.

Tottenham's best chance came after Fulham should have scored. Pape Matar Sarr was the culprit this time, giving the ball away with Pereira then squaring across the face of goal. It was almost a tap-in for Rodrigo Muniz, but he somehow missed the ball, with Spurs then sweeping up the other end and finding Son in the box. The Tottenham captain couldn't keep his effort goal-bound, shooting over the bar. A chance for Brennan Johnson down the left soon followed, but he couldn't find any power in his strike and hit it tamely at Bernd Leno. James Maddison was the next Tottenham player to have a chance: Destiny Udogie burst forward after Johnson won the ball and fed the English attacking midfielder. His low shot almost looked like it was heading inside the near post, but instead the ball took out Leno's drink bottle just outside the goal.

Instead, it was Fulham who took a lead into the half. Antonee Robinson delivered an excellent ball from the left in behind the Spurs backline, where it found Muniz, given perhaps too much space by Dragusin. Muniz's touch was excellent, and he cut the ball back across past Vicario to put the Cottagers 1-0 up.

It was the same story in the second half, with Fulham doubling their lead early. Iwobi drew the defense out of shape before playing in Timothy Castagne down the left. His square ball would have been a tough one to control, but rather than control it, Sasa Lukic used his thigh to guide the ball first time past Vicario. The Italian had no chance, and all of a sudden the score was 2-0.

From there, things went from bad to worse. Calvin Bassey won a second ball on a corner kick, before taking a shot from an extremely tight angle. Vicario was forced into a save, but a combination of his palm and the post conspired to take the ball directly back into the danger area. Muniz was first on the scene, knocking the ball over the goal-line despite the despairing efforts of Dragusin to clear.

The Cottagers had the ball in the net a fourth time, while Spurs readied a triple change. An offside flag this time saved their blushes, and Timo Werner, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Rodrigo Bentancur entered the fray for Sarr, Bissouma, and Maddison. Tottenham looked almost immediately better, with Werner nearly getting one back for Spurs as he somehow managed to miss a point-blank tap-in off a low Johnson cross. A late cameo for Richarlison wasn't enough to move the needle for Spurs, as they continued to hustle and bustle in search of a comeback, and the Lilywhites slumped to a 3-0 defeat.

Reactions

    Boy, that was a bad performance by Spurs; possibly their worst this season. None of the starting XI were good at all, and Postecoglou was comprehensively out-managed. These are the sort of matches you have to win if you want Champions League football.
    The midfield trio of Sarr, Bissouma, and Maddison were particularly bad. They continually gave the ball away, were ponderous in possession, and non-existent defensively.
    It was therefore a surprise that Postecoglou took so long to make substitutions in the second half. Spurs have taken somewhat of a rope-a-dope approach to recent matches, upping the pressure late in the match, but this wasn't that. Things weren't working, and Postecoglou should have realized that sooner.
    Some sides have the ability to play through the press; instead, Fulham played around it. Their midfielders and defenders would routinely invite pressure before playing quick switches across to the other side of the pitch. This would result in situations where the Cottagers were driving forward in the wide areas with a 2-on-1 or 3-on-2 numerical advantage, and they would then use this advantage to pull the defense totally out of shape, unlocking space in the box. Switch to a proper 4-2-3-1 would have potentially given the fullbacks some midfield support.
    Speaking of which, it was an inauspicious debut for Dragusin, who wasn't terrible per se - but was often left on an island by Destiny Udogie thanks to the above tactics. While looking comfortable on the ball, his lack of a left foot also hurt Spurs in the build-up, with our left side often frustrated not to receive quick ball in space from the back.
    What a way to head into the international break!



https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/2024/3/16/24103209/fulham-3-0-tottenham-hotspur-courageous-cottagers-crush-substandard-spurs

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Rodrigo Muniz scores twice as Fulham stun top-four hopefuls Tottenham
Rodrigo Muniz scored twice as Tottenham missed out on the chance of moving into the Premier League top four after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Victory would have meant Ange Postecoglou's side moved a point ahead of Aston Villa but the north Londoners instead finish the weekend in fifth.

Muniz's double took his top-flight tally to seven goals in his last seven appearances on a day where the Cottagers shone in west London.

Sasa Lukic scored his first goal of the season as Marco Silva's side bounced back from last week's 2-1 defeat by Wolves at Molineux.

Fulham looked to strike an early blow through the in-form Muniz, who was freed into a pocket of space. After his initial shot was blocked by Cristian Romero, Andreas Pereira's rebound narrowly missed Guglielmo Vicario's right-hand post.

The hosts' momentum continued and after Romero was called into action again to block Pereira's close-range attempt, Muniz proved to be a handful when he outmuscled Radu Dragusin with his back turned to goal, setting the tone for a physical encounter.

Willian was enjoying himself. The experienced 35-year-old, who had a knack of scoring goals against Tottenham in his Chelsea days, looked to punish them again but his first-time effort was stopped by Vicario who got down quickly to keep the scores level despite a one-sided opening period in favour of the hosts.

Spurs rode the storm and began to create chances of their own.

Destiny Udogie exploited space to run in down the left and his cutback found James Maddison on the edge of the area. The England international's body position suggested he was going for the far post but he opted to go near, dragging his effort wide instead of the open net which Fulham keeper Bernd Leno left unoccupied.

Fulham's efforts deserved a goal and they got just that. The electric Antonee Robinson broke away and he delivered a perfect ball to the dangerous Muniz before the Brazilian forward performed an intricate touch and powered home into the left-hand corner.

The Cottagers had played the perfect game up to this point and it continued after the break when they doubled their lead.

Fulham's full-backs had been allowed space all game and this time it was Timothy Castagne's turn to maraud forward. The right-back's cross met the thigh of Lukic who had made a late surge into the box and the ball fizzed past the helpless Vicario for a second time.

Muniz's spectacular run of form took another turn. The forward was well positioned in the box to scrap for the loose ball and claim his brace before he was serenaded with a standing ovation when he was substituted minutes later.

Joao Palhinha thought he added a fourth but referee Robert Jones deemed the strike offside after an interference from Raul Jimenez.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/rodrigo-muniz-scores-twice-fulham-193654145.html

[WhiteJC]

Muniz scores twice as Fulham stops Tottenham reaching top four of Premier League
LONDON —

Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz scored twice as Tottenham missed out on the chance of moving into fourth place in the Premier League after losing 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Muniz's double came either side of Saša Lukić's first goal of the season and took the Brazilian's top-flight tally to seven goals in his last seven appearances.

Fifth-place Tottenham would have climbed above Aston Villa into fourth for one night at least. Villa visits West Ham on Sunday.

Fulham looked to strike an early blow through the in-form Muniz, who was freed into a pocket of space. After his initial shot was blocked by Cristian Romero, Andreas Pereira's rebound narrowly missed Guglielmo Vicario's right-hand post.

The hosts' momentum continued and after Romero was called into action again to block Pereira's close-range attempt, Muniz proved to be a handful when he outmuscled Radu Dragusin with his back turned to goal, setting the tone for a physical encounter.

Spurs rode the storm and began to create chances of their own.

Destiny Udogie exploited space to run down the left and his cutback found James Maddison on the edge of the area. The England international's body position suggested he was going for the far post but he opted to go near, dragging his effort wide instead of the open net which Fulham keeper Bernd Leno left unoccupied.

Fulham scored the opener in the 42nd when left back Antonee Robinson broke away and delivered a perfect ball across the face of the area to the dangerous Muniz. The Brazilian forward took a touch and powered home a finish into the left-hand corner.

The Cottagers doubled their lead when right back Timothy Castagne marauded forward and sent in a cross that hit the thigh of Lukic, who had made a late surge into the box. The ball flew past the helpless Vicario for a second time.

Muniz's spectacular run of form took another turn. The forward was well positioned in the box to scrap for the loose ball and claim his second in the 61st before he was serenaded with a standing ovation when he was substituted minutes later.

Joao Palhinha thought he added a fourth but it was ruled out for offside due to interference from substitute Raul Jimenez.



https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/national/story/2024-03-16/muniz-scores-twice-as-fulham-stops-tottenham-reaching-top-four-of-premier-league

[WhiteJC]

Player Ratings: Fulham's Masterclass Dismantles Tottenham Dreams

Fulham vs Tottenham: A Premier League Clash at Craven Cottage
In a Premier League encounter that reverberated across London, Fulham hosted Tottenham Hotspur in a match that promised fireworks but ended in a spectacular display of footballing prowess from the home team. Fulham's emphatic 3-0 victory not only stunned Spurs but also rekindled their European aspirations.

Early Dominance and Tactical Masterclass
From the outset, Fulham's intent was clear. Within minutes, they nearly broke the deadlock, signalling their ambition. Tottenham, on their part, struggled to impose themselves, their usual fluidity absent under the lights at Craven Cottage. Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz and Sasa Lukic emerged as the heroes of the night, with Muniz netting twice and Lukic once, sealing a memorable win for the hosts.

Tottenham's aspirations for a top-four finish took a hit as they missed the opportunity to leapfrog Aston Villa. This result halted their scoring run under Ange Postecoglou, ending a streak of scoring in consecutive league games that had extended to 39 matches.

Pivotal Moments
Fulham's relentless pressure and astute tactical setup were evident as they capitalised on Tottenham's errors. The hosts took the lead just before the break, a moment of brilliance that set the tone for the second half. Fulham doubled their advantage shortly after the restart, and by the hour mark, they had put the game beyond Tottenham's reach with a third goal, showcasing their ruthlessness.

Fulham Player Ratings

    Bernd Leno (GK): 6/10
    Timothy Castagne (RB): 7/10
    Tosin Adarabioyo (CB): 7/10
    Calvin Bassey (CB): 7.5/10
    Antonee Robinson (LB): 8.5/10
    Joao Palhinha (CM): 8/10
    Sasa Lukic (CM): 8.5/10
    Alex Iwobi (RM): 7.5/10
    Andreas Pereira (AM): 7/10
    Willian (LM): 7.5/10
    Rodrigo Muniz (CF): 9/10

Substitutes

    Raul Jimenez: 6.5/10
    Harry Wilson: 6/10
    Kenny Tete: 6.5/10
    Harrison Reed: 6/10
    Bobby De Cordova-Reid: 6.5/10

Tottenham Player Ratings

    Guglielmo Vicario (GK): 4/10
    Pedro Porro (RB): 4/10
    Cristian Romero (CB): 4/10
    Radu Dragusin (CB): 4/10
    Destiny Udogie (LB): 5.5/10
    Pape Matar Sarr (CM): 4.5/10
    Yves Bissouma (CM): 3/10
    Dejan Kulusevski (RM): 5/10
    James Maddison (AM): 4.5/10
    Brennan Johnson (LM): 4/10
    Son Heung-min (CF): 3/10

Substitutes

    Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: 5.5/10
    Rodrigo Bentancur: 5.5/10
    Timo Werner: 5/10
    Richarlison: 5/10



https://eplindex.com/107127/player-ratings-fulhams-masterclass-dismantles-tottenham-dreams.html

[WhiteJC]

Muniz bags double as Fulham spank Spurs in Premier League
Fulham put a sizeable dent in Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League top-four hopes as in-form Rodrigo Muniz's double earned them an impressive 3-0 victory at Craven Cottage.

Tottenham could have moved above Aston Villa into fourth place in the standings with a win but apart from a brief spell before halftime were lackadaisical and could have no complaints.

Muniz broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute and scored again just past the hour mark to finish off Tottenham after Sasa Lukic had doubled Fulham's lead shortly after the interval.

It completed a notable home double for Fulham over Tottenham having also knocked them out of the League Cup.

Tottenham remain in fifth place with 53 points from 28 games while Fulham are in 12th spot with 38 points from 29 games.

A 4-0 win at Villa last week had given Tottenham momentum in the race for Champions League qualification but they came back down to earth with the sort of capitulation their fans hoped had become a thing of the past since Ange Postecoglou took charge.

"In the second half we didn't get to grips with the game. The intensity dropped," Postecoglou said.

"Our final third play wasn't great. But it's more the overall play that was disappointing. There are things we've done all year we've prided ourselves on, our intensity and tempo, but that wasn't there in the second half.

"We couldn't get any control or traction in the game."

The only surprise in a chance-packed first half was that it remained scoreless for 42 minutes.

Fulham started with far more urgency than their visitors with Andreas Pereira in the thick of the action.

He almost scored with Fulham's first attack, his shot deflecting off Cristian Romero and fizzing wide. Soon afterwards when Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario spilled a low cross into his path he again was denied by a superb block from Romero.

Vicario also made smart saves from Lukic and Willian before Tottenham finally began to offer some threat.

Son Heung-min blazed one chance over, Brennan Johnson shot straight at Bernd Leno after a slick passing move and Radu Dragusin, making his first start for Spurs, dragged an effort well wide having found himself in a great position.

James Maddison also went close for the visitors but Fulham went ahead when Antonee Robinson's superb low cross took out the entire Tottenham defence and Muniz's touch was perfect before drilling his shot across Vicario and into the net.

It took only four minutes of the second half for Fulham to double their lead as Alex Iwobi fed a pass to the over-lapping Timothy Castagne and his low cross was touched in by Lukic.

Tottenham were reeling and were on the canvas just past the hour mark as 22-year-old Brazilian Muniz poached his second goal of the game and seventh in his last seven, bundling in after Calvin Bassey's shot hit the post.

Tottenham were spared further embarrassment a minute later when Joao Palhinha's shot was glanced in by substitute Raul Jimenez but he was ruled offside.

Substitutes Richarlison and Timo Werner had some late chances for Tottenham whose run of scoring in 38 successive league games came to a disappointing end.

For Fulham it was another joyful day on the banks of the river Thames as they secured their ninth home win of the season.



https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/511931/muniz-bags-double-as-fulham-spank-spurs-in-premier-league

[WhiteJC]

Fulham toy with woeful Tottenham on a baffling night we really should have seen coming
Spurs' non-performance against an excellent Fulham was both entirely baffling and somehow thoroughly predictable from a tirelessly unserious football club.

In hindsight, we probably should have seen this seemingly unlikely game panning out exactly like this.

Fulham have been at it all season, shifting between perplexingly bad and strikingly good depending on which would be funnier on any given day, and, no matter what else may change, Spurs are and will always be Spurs.

We're sure there have been clubs before who have followed up their best and most important performance of the season with comfortably their worst, but it does feel like a powerfully Spurs piece of behaviour. Maybe Everton.

This was a harrowingly bad Spurs performance. The sort where you cast around for some positives and find not a single one anywhere on the pitch. If you want a positive, it's that it wasn't even worse than a 3-0 scoreline that flattered Fulham not one bit.

There was even time in the closing 20 minutes, after Spurs had belatedly realised there was a game on, for the visitors to miss a couple of pretty presentable chances to at least extend their 39-game Premier League scoring run, but that too is gone now as are the hopes of scoring in every game of an entire season. Spurs now can't even win 'worra trophy' trophies.

The most significant disaster for Spurs might prove to be the miserable full debut for Radu Dragusin. No centre-back should be written off on the basis of one game, but let's just say at this stage he doesn't particularly look like an upgrade on Eric Dier. Or on Ben Davies, come to think of it.

Son Heung-min had one of those games he remains forever capable of throwing in, apparently at random, where it looks like he can't actually remember what sport he's trying to play as passes attempted go 15 yards astray and passes collected bounce just as far off shins and ankles.

The most conspicuous and perplexing holes, though, were to be found in midfield, where for the first hour in which the match was settled Spurs' central midfielders simply abdicated responsibility entirely. We're not sure exactly where Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma were, but it was routinely and repeatedly not where they were required.

Fulham's decisive goals either side of half-time both came with attacks allowed to go from promising to threatening with almost no meaningful resistance whatsoever. The defenders may not have covered themselves in glory, but they were left harshly and unnecessarily exposed far too often. Spurs rode their luck to make it as far as they did without conceding.



https://www.football365.com/news/opinion-spursy-tottenham-woeful-fulham-excellent

[WhiteJC]

Mighty Muniz sinks Spurs
Rodrigo Muniz wrote another chapter in one of English football's finest redemption stories as he bagged a brace to fire Fulham to a flawless victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage tonight. Twelve months ago, the Brazilian was kicking his heels having been deemed surplus to requirements by Michael Carrick whilst on loan at Middlesbrough and, only six weeks ago, his Fulham future looked bleak with the deadline day arrival of Armando Broja from Chelsea. But Muniz has now scored seven goals in seven games during a rich vein of form that remarkably leaves him unfortunate not to have received an international call-up.

Fulham cantered to a comprehensive success over sloppy Spurs – their first since Dimitar Berbatov scored against his old club at White Hart Lane in 2013 – and the manner of their dominance was reflected in the way Muniz made Radu Dragusin's first start a miserable one. Like at Wolves last week, Marco Silva's side had a host of first half chances. Muniz almost gave the Whites a dream start inside two minutes but his snapshot was blocked by Cristian Romero and Andreas Pereira's follow-up deflected wide off Dragusin.

Romero then somehow got himself in the way of Pereira's close-range strike after Guglielmo Vicario could only palm a cross from Alex Iwobi into the path of the Brazilian playmaker. The Italian made another smart stop to keep out Sasa Lukic's effort after the Serbian had strode onto a pinpoint cross from Antonee Robinson. Muniz was crowded out in front of goal after more adventurous running from Robinson – and the hosts almost paid for their failure to take their chances with Son Heung-Min skying over after linking up with James Maddison before the England international shot into the side netting following a breezy burst down the left by Destiny Udogie.

But the difference between this Fulham display and the defeat at Molineux was that Silva's side took the lead with a lovely goal before the interval. Robinson raced into oceans of space down the left wing and delivered a delicious cross that Muniz controlled wonderfully, before finding the far corner with an unerring right-footed finish. The home side came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second half and doubled their lead within four minutes. Iwobi fed the overlapping Timothy Castagne, whose measured cross was flicked over Vicario by Lukic for his first Fulham goal.

Castagne could even have made it three when he surged onto a through ball from Iwobi and tested Vicario at his near post, but Tottenham's respite was only fleeting. From the corner, Palhinha's header fell for Bassey, who cracked an effort against the post and Muniz bravely stabbed home from four yards out despite being clattered by Dragusin. The Brazilian received a standing ovation when he was replaced by Raul Jimenez, who inadvertently cost Fulham a fourth when he was adjudged offside and interfering with play in front of the goalkeeper as Palhinha powered a finish past Vicario.

Ange Postecoglou sought to add firepower with several substitutions, but the game had long since passed Spurs before. Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner missed good chances to score a consolation, whilst the returning Richarlison rifled wide when it seemed simpler to score. Vicario did manage to keep out a curler from Harry Wilson in the dying embers of the contest, but Silva's stylish side had already cruised to another eye-catching victory. Playing like this makes you wonder whether the European places really are out of reach.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne (Tete 82), A. Robinson, Adarabioyo, Bassey; Palhinha, Lukic (Reed 81); Iwobi (De Cordova-Reid 82), Willian, Pereira (Wilson 72); Muniz (Jimenez 64). Subs (not used): Rodak, Ream, Cairney, Traore.

BOOKED: Palhinha, Lukic.

GOALS: Muniz (42, 61), Lukic (49).

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Udogie, Dragusin, Romero; Bissouma (Hojberg 66), Sarr (Bentancur 66); Johnson (Richarlison 80), Kulusevski, Maddison; Son (Lo Celso 87). Subs (not used): Austin, Davies, Skipp, Royal.

BOOKED: Bisouma, Johnson, Bentancur.

REFEREE: Robert Jones (The Wirral).

ATTENDANCE: 24,410.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/mighty-muniz-sinks-spurs/

[WhiteJC]

Silva: 'We comfortably deserved the win'
Marco Silva was delighted with Fulham's fantastic performance as they put a massive dent in Tottenham Hotspur's Champions' League aspirations with a 3-0 win at Craven Cottage.

Rodrigo Muniz bagged a brave brace and Sasa Lukic scored his first Fulham goal as the Whites comprehensively won the London derby.

Silva told Match of the Day:

"Great win for us, and well deserved too. We were the best team on the pitch and deserved the three points against a really good side, playing through the pressure sometimes in behind them.

"Our first half was top level, probably one of the best we have played this season. It was a crucial moment when we scored the first goal. Overall, a complete performance from the boys. The fans were at top level too. Winning the game and playing in our way is good. They are brave, they play really brave. We were really brave too this afternoon, keeping a clean sheet is really important for us."

The Fulham head coach reserved special praise for Muniz's magnificent display.

Nice to see the work Muniz been doing since 2021 is paying off. I saw real talent in him. When he came in at 20-years-old, not speaking one word in English, he wasn't even a starting player in Brazil.

"First season in Championship, he did really well with Mitrovic in front of him. Last season, not so well. He's a really good striker, a big talent is there. I'm really happy to have him with us and for him to keep evolving with us.

"He has all of the ability and potential to become a top striker. He's still a young lad. Keep playing week in, week out. Make mistakes and learn. Keep doing good things."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/silva-we-comfortably-deserved-the-win/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva hints at new Fulham injury concern - would be huge blow for Cottagers
Fulham put three past Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening with Rodrigo Muniz the star of the show.

Fulham manager Marco Silva heaped praise on star striker Rodrigo Muniz as the Brazilian plundered in his sixth and seventh goals in his last seven fixtures to spearhead Fulham to a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage.

The Fulham boss did admit that Muniz had come off the pitch with a slight hamstring injury during the second half. For his second goal, the striker had to stretch to poke the ball over the line following a free-kick and was in clear pain as he grimaced before celebrating.

Silva said: "What a performance again. Unfortunately, he was feeling a bit tired in the legs and the hamstring as well. It was a moment for us not to take risks with him. It's difficult to mention just him. When a striker scores again and gets two goals, I understand. It's not just the goals, it's how improving and the hard work he's been putting in every week.

"It's a great feeling for me as a manager. I pushed the football club to buy him two years ago when I first joined the go - myself and my staff saw something in him that felt he was the right player to join the club. First season was okay, last season didn't work out for him but from the pre-season, we felt that he was going in the right direction. He never gave up, even in moments he wasn't involved in the squad."

Raul Jimenez also returned to the Fulham side on Saturday, picking up minutes from the bench in place of Muniz. The Mexican might have expected to walk back into the side a few weeks ago but now faces tough competition for the striking role - Armando Broja was also not in the squad but the Fulham boss suggested he was dropped rather than injured.

Silva said: "It's a good thing and shows the work we have been doing. It's a great feeling in this moment of the season after a tough December and January, to have all of our squad available the last two weeks. It's difficult for me to leave some players out the squad list. We have Ballo-Toure and Armando Broja, they were not in the squad list.

"The competition is really hard right now. It's a good headache for me to decide as well. It's going to be tough for players to keep a place in not just the XI and the squad list. It's very good for Fulham Football Club."



https://www.londonworld.com/sport/football/fulham/marco-silva-hints-at-new-fulham-injury-concern-would-be-huge-blow-for-cottagers-4558177