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

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'Much more to come' from Muniz, says Silva
Marco Silva predicted there is "much more to come" from Rodrigo Muniz after the striker scored twice in a superb 3-0 victory at home to Tottenham.

Sasa Lukic scored his first goal for the club, while two from the in-form Muniz took his tally to seven goals from as many matches.

Whites boss Silva has no doubt it was the team's best performance of the campaign.

"This performance, it is right on the top," he declared.

"Our first half was clearly our best of the season. It was almost a complete collective performance. It's difficult to praise just one or two players because, wow, there were some amazing performances."

Muniz was very much surplus to requirements prior to his incredible scoring run.

He was expected to leave during the January transfer window and appeared to be pushed further down the pecking order by the loan signing of Armando Broja from Chelsea.

Instead, he has responded emphatically.

"It's a great feeling for me as a manager. I pushed for the club to sign him when I first joined the club two years ago. I saw something in him," Silva said.

"It hasn't been easy for him, but he hasn't given up and when he has been presented with a chance, he has taken it. There is much more to come from him too, I'm sure."

Muniz was taken off shortly after picking up a heavy knock while scoring Fulham's third goal.

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.

But Silva insisted Muniz was taken off purely as a precaution.

He explained: "He was feeling a little tired and feeling his hamstring a little, so it was not a time for us to take risks. But what a performance again from him."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-gives-muniz-injury-update-and-makes-prediction-about-in-form-fulham-striker

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Player ratings: Fulham 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur

George Rossiter returns with the player ratings after a classic Craven Cottage performance.

Fulham pulled off a memorable and comprehensive victory against Tottenham, becoming the first side in the Premier League this season to keep a clean sheet against Ange Postecoglu's side. That's now wins over Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal in the last three months alone, as well as a well-fought League Cup semi-final showing. Marco Silva is working wonders in a season that could have ended in mediocrity.

Bernd Leno

In the week where Leno received a call-up to a much changed Germany squad under Julian Nagelsmann, the man between the sticks captained the club for the first time and kept a clean sheet against the side he used to class as a main rival in his Arsenal days.  Leno didn't have much to do in the first half beyond holding onto a scuffed Brennan Johnson effort. However, from the moment Fulham led by 3, his contribution to the game was an important one, even if it may not get the recognition it deserves. He saved and held onto every Spurs shot on target, not allowing for them to find a way back into the game. 7.5/10.

Timothy Castagne

Actually thought his first half performance was a real weak aspect of an overall brilliant team showing. Looked really shaky on and off the ball, mistiming tackles and forward passes far too often. For most of the half it meant despite dominating, Brennan Johnson ended up being constant threat with the space he was afforded. Once he came out for the second half, there was a big change, especially with his attacking output. A good cross for Lukic's goal was followed by a chance for the Belgian himself which forced a save from a narrow angle from Vicario. Ended up with an assist and clean sheet, can't complain I guess. 7/10.

Tosin

Looked very composed on the ball throughout, an aspect of his game that continues to improve under Silva's coaching. Continuing to build a partnership with Calvin Bassey and you struggle to see either being displaced from the side at the moment with the understanding that's grown. Only potential criticism was the signs of slight hesitation in the first half that led to Spurs forwards not being closed down quickly enough on the edge of our box. Ultimately though, that was rectified throughout the game. Tosin went onto make four clearances, no other Fulham player made more than one. 7.5/10.

Calvin Bassey

Just an absolute monster at the back for Fulham week after week now, he's made such a difference since coming back into the side after AFCON. I'm not sure I've ever seen a centre back that defends so aggressively that they can push his side forward on and off the ball. We know he can take the ball forward 50 yards in an instant, but in this game he was pushing Son so far back that on one occasion the South Korean went from facing Bassey 20 yards from goal to playing a pass back to Vicario in his own half. Bassey was unlucky not to score too, but thankfully his close range effort landed at the feet of Muniz who finished off the scoring. 8/10.

Antonee Robinson

No defender has more assists from open play in the Premier League this season than Robinson does, his tally now up to six for the campaign. No player in this game had more interceptions than Jedi either, admittedly because he lost the ball to Kulusevski a few times in the opening stages and had to track back to redeem himself, but let's not let facts get in the way of a good stat. The more the game went on, the more energy he showed and the more he looked incredible defensively. The American was vital going forward too, bombing into the Spurs box time after time and placing a gorgeous deep pass into Muniz's pass for the opening goal. 9/10 – Man of the match.

Joao Palhinha

Most tackles in the game of any player...obviously. Not even sure that's a statistic worthy of writing in articles anymore, it just comes as standard. Unfortunately, so does Joao being booked for his first foul in every game, but that's something to be annoyed about another week. Another really strong showing from our main man in the middle, always more impressive against a midfield as able and dynamic as that of Tottenham's. Unlucky not to get a goal of his own to make it 4-0, with a belting finish unfortunately flicking off Raul who was offside. 7.5/10.

Sasa Lukic

Just the latest name in the long list of players benefiting from the coaching and confidence that comes from Marco Silva and his coaching staff. Lukic has really come into his own in this Fulham midfield in recent weeks and it's so pleasing to see. His smile after the full time whistle here gave the impression of a man who might finally feel at home on the banks of the Thames. A first Fulham goal will help add to those good vibes, a goal that was earned after being involved a lot in Fulham's attacking build up play throughout. Really impressed with the amount of ground he covered alongside Palhinha too. 8/10.

Andreas Pereira

Really strong first half showing especially. Got into loads of really aggressive positions in Tottenham's box, especially in the opening 10 minutes, which led to shooting opportunities falling his way fairly regularly in the opening stages. Ultimately those positions didn't lead to a goal or an assist but it didn't feel as underwhelming of an attacking display as other performances of his in recent months have. His pressing, especially on Radu Dragusin, caused lots of issues for the Tottenham backline. Praying that the knock he took in the second half is nothing serious and doesn't effect his chances of playing for Brazil over the International break. 7/10.

Alex Iwobi

Continuously found plenty of space from drifting away from Destiny Udogie which caused Tottenham all sorts of issues down the right hand side. Made the most of Castagne's improved attacking intensity in the second half by showing gorgeous footwork to beat his man and play Castagne through before the Belgian found an assist for Fulham's second. One small critique may be that he offered very little defensive support to Timmy Chestnuts in the first half, but Spurs never scored as a result of it, so who cares? Not me. 7.5/10.

Willian

Started the game really wide and drifted in over and over, bringing Pedro Porro with him. By the time Antonee Robinson had assisted the opening goal, Porro was playing about ten yards further infield, leaving the overlap option available constantly, often thanks to Willian's insane football intelligence. Also showed a huge willingness to help Robinson defensively too. There was a period in the first half where Tottenham found some momentum, and at times the Brazilian was almost making it a back five with how deep he was backtracking. 7.5/10.

Rodrigo Muniz

His footwork and his strength with his back to goal against any level of Premier League centre back continues to impress me on a weekly basis. Just like a certain Serbian was last year, he has become vital in our build up, but adds an added element of pace too. He's constantly in the positions you would want your number nine to be in, something that can sometimes be a criticism of other striking options at the club. His first touch and finish for the opening goal was beyond perfect in its precision. His predatory poacher's instinct to nip in ahead of the Tottenham defender for his second was another goal to add to his growing list of strikes where his anticipation is ten times better than that of his opposing defender's. He is amazing and I love him more every time I see him play. Brazil call-up pending... 9/10.

Substitutes

Raul Jimenez

Subbed on for Rodrigo Muniz after 64 minutes

Looked really impressive for a player that's been out for a period of time through injury. Bright on and off the ball, continuing Muniz's work in holding and linking up play in the attacking third. 6.5/10.

Harry Wilson

Subbed on for Andreas Pereira after 72 minutes

Made some really nice runs in between some tiring legs in the Tottenham defence in the closing stages. Quite unlucky not to add his name to the scoresheet in the final minute of normal time, forcing a diving save from Vicario from the left side of the box. 6.5/10.

Harrison Reed, Kenny Tete and Bobby De Cordova-Reid (subbed on after 82 minutes for Sasa Lukic, Timothy Castagne and Alex Iwobi) came on too late to be fairly assessed.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2024-03-16-player-ratings-fulham-3-0-tottenham-hotspur/

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Spurs' top four bid rocked by Fulham
Luton salvaged a crucial 1-1 draw with relegation rivals Forest

Tottenham Hotspur wasted a chance to move into the Premier League's top four as they slumped to a shock 3-0 defeat at Fulham, while Luton salvaged a crucial 1-1 draw with relegation rivals Nottingham Forest yesterday.
Ange Postecoglou's side would have climbed above Aston Villa into fourth place with a win, but instead they handed the initiative back to their top-four rivals. Fifth-placed Tottenham were punished for a sloppy performance as the in-form Rodrigo Muniz netted twice either side of Sasa Lukic's first goal for Fulham.
A 4-0 win at Villa last weekend was expected to act as Tottenham's springboard to finish above Unai Emery's team in the battle to qualify for next season's Champions League. Instead, the north Londoners crashed to a first league defeat at Craven Cottage since 2008 and failed to score for the first time in 40 games. They sit two points behind Villa, who can extend that lead to five if they win at West Ham today. With Micky van de Ven sidelined by a hamstring injury, Radu Dragusin made his first Tottenham start. Worryingly for Postecoglou, Romania centre-back Dragusin, signed from Genoa in January, was often exposed in a rocky display.
Fulham took the lead in the 42nd minute when Muniz cleverly drifted away from Dragusin as the Brazilian forward found space to meet Antonee Robinson's low cross with a clinical finish from 10 yards. Tottenham's defensive deficiencies were exposed again four minutes after half-time.
Iwobi was allowed to advance unchecked and he slipped a pass to Timothy Castagne, whose cross hit Lukic and deflected into the net. Tottenham were in tatters and Muniz struck again in the 61st minute. Joao Palhinha's header reached Calvin Bassey and when his shot was saved by Guglielmo Vicario, Muniz reacted quicker than Dragusin to stab home.
As the fight to avoid relegation comes to a head, Luton and Forest met in a vital showdown at Kenilworth Road. Forest, beaten in their previous three games, took the lead through Chris Wood's 34th minute strike. But Luke Berry came off the bench to equalise from close-range in the 89th minute.
Third-bottom Luton, who blew a three-goal lead in Wednesday's disastrous 4-3 defeat at Bournemouth, are without a win in their last nine games in all competitions. They lie three points behind fourth-bottom Forest.
At Turf Moor, second-bottom Burnley kept alive their faint survival hopes with a 2-1 victory against Brentford. Vincent Kompany's side took the lead in the 10th minute when Vitinho sprinted onto Josh Cullen's pass and was about to shoot when he was pulled down by Sergio Reguilon.
The Spanish defender was shown the earliest red card in the Premier League this season, after a VAR check, and Jacob Bruun Larsen stepped up to convert the spot-kick.
David Datro Fofana, on loan from Chelsea, struck in the 62nd minute with a composed finish into the far corner. Kristoffer Ajer got one back in the 83rd minute with a diving header from Bryan Mbeumo's cross, but the Clarets held on for their first league win in 11 games. They are now eight points from safety with nine games left. Brentford have won only three of their past 18 league games and sit just four points above the relegation zone.



https://www.gulf-times.com/article/679048/sports/spurs-top-four-bid-rocked-by-fulham

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Antonee Robinson equals incredible record set by USMNT legend Clint Dempsey with stunning Fulham display vs Tottenham

USMNT star Jedi Robinson tied the U.S. assist record in one single season in the Premier League Saturday, equaling Clint Dempsey's Fulham record.

    Fulham defeat Spurs 3-0
    Robinson adds delightful assist
    Equals Dempsey's legendary PL record

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Fulham ace helped open the scoring en-route to a 3-0 victory over Spurs on Saturday, delivering a brilliant assist to Rodrigo Muniz in the first half. Jedi put the ball on a plate and the Spaniard fired home, with the American earning his sixth assist of the Premier League season; tying a record set by ex-Fulham and USMNT legend Clint Dempsey himself.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Dempsey set the record during his 2011-12 season with the Cottagers, and now 13 years later, Robinson has equalized it for the same club. With three months still left in the campaign, the USMNT defender surely has the ability to surpass the record and earn it himself.

Fulham sit 12th in the Premier League, just one-point behind Chelsea and five points out of European contention next season.

WHAT NEXT FOR ROBINSON AND FULHAM?

With the FIFA International break now upon us, Jedi will depart England and travel to the USA to meet up with Gregg Berhalter's squad for the USMNT's CONCACAF Nations League semifinal match vs Jamaica. Then, the Cottagers are back in action on Saturday, March 30 vs Sheffield United.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/antonee-robinson-equals-record-usmnt-clint-dempsey-fulham-tottenham/bltf864a6111ca9e4b9#csff07368450e2bd0d

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PLAYER RATINGS: Rodrigo Muniz shines as Fulham run riot in dominant victory while James Maddison's creativity falls flat - but who was Tottenham's WORST performer on a dismal afternoon?

    Tottenham were hampered in their race for the top four as Fulham starred in win
    Fulham were helped to victory with a stunning two goals from Rodrigo Muniz

Tottenham's Champions League ambitions were hit hard by Fulham as Marco Silva's side starred in a 3-0 home win at Craven Cottage.

A week after thumping European rivals Aston Villa 4-0, Tottenham came unstuck against a plucky Fulham striving for the top half of the table.

Spurs would have leapfrogged Aston Villa into the Premier League's top four with a win and manager Ange Postecoglou sarcastically fumed during his post-match tunnel interview.

A brace from Rodrigo Muniz either side of Sasa Lukic's first goal for the club ended Tottenham's bright run of form.

Mail Sport gives their playing ratings from the Craven Cottage encounter.


Tottenham came unstuck against a plucky Fulham striving for the top half of the Premier League table
 

Tottenham's Champions League ambitions were hit hard by Fulham on Saturday
Fulham (4-2-3-1):

Leno 6
Produced some solid saves that gave Fulham a platform to build on and was effective in his distribution throughout.

Timothy Castagne 7
Assisted Sasa Lukic with a wonderful cross as the forward scored his first goal for the club. Enjoyed a comfortable afternoon defensively against Tottenham.

Calvin Bassey 7
Produced a fine performance that largely helped Fulham claim a valuable clean-sheet win. Recovered well from a previous horror performance in the reverse fixture.

Tosin Adarabioyo 6
Was the less effective Fulham centre-back but helped keep Tottenham at bay with some good positioning and man-marking.

Antonee Robinson 7.5
Was one of the star's of the afternoon as he marvelled at both ends of the pitch with threatening offensive work and was equally excellent when defending. Continuously won his battle with Dejan Kulusevski.


Antonee Robinson was one of the star's of the afternoon as he marvelled at both ends of the pitch
Joao Paulinha 6.5
Was linked with a big summer move and is beginning to show the form that could put him in line with another one at the end of this season. Broke up play in midfield but picked up a predictable yellow card.

Sasa Lukic 7.5
Made a host of dangerous runs into Tottenham's box and was eventually rewarded with a first goal for the club that all-but settled the match outcome.


Sasa Lukic scored his first Premier League goal for Fulham as Fulham raced to victory
Alex Iwobi 7
Cut holes in Tottenham's defence but wasn't able to carve out any clear-cut shooting opportunities for himself.

Andreas Pereira 7.5
Imposed himself on the game as a creator in midfield before going off injured that could scupper his plans to feature in the upcoming Brazil international squad.

Willian 6
Roamed around the pitch all afternoon and did well to avoid the aggressive defending of Ange Postecoglou's side.

Rodrigo Muniz 8
No player has scored more goals in the Premier League since February than Muniz as he grabbed his eighth goal of the season.


No player has scored more goals in the Premier League since February than Rodrigo Muniz
Manager: Marco Silva 8.5
The Fulham boss identified the weaknesses of Tottenham's European chasing side and got his players to execute his game plan perfectly. Deserved victory.

Subs

Kenny Tete

Harrison Reed 

Raul Jimenez

Harry Wilson

Bobby De Cordova-Reid 



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13205729/PLAYER-RATINGS-fulham-tottenham-premier-league.html

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Are Adarabioyo and Bassey the future of Nigeria's defense? Fulham's clean sheet against spurs raises questions
Fulham FC defeated Tottenham Hotspur at the Craven Cottage on Saturday evening, solidly keeping a clean sheet

Two Nigerian players, Tosin Adarabioyo and Calvin Bassey, took center stage in Fulham's defense as they stunned Tottenham Hotspur with a resounding victory, as reported by Soccernet.ng.

The two London clubs clashed at Craven Cottage, with the home side securing a convincing 3-0 win, dominating headlines.

Adarabioyo and Bassey anchored Fulham's defense, neutralizing threats from formidable attackers such as Heung-Min Son, James Maddison, and Brennan Johnson.

Adarabioyo, born in England to Nigerian parents, is eligible to represent the Super Eagles and has reportedly pledged his allegiance to his parents' homeland.

Despite speculation linking him to England's Euro tournament campaign, Adarabioyo's standout performances for Fulham have caught the eye, potentially paving the way for a call-up to the Three Lions squad.

Under Marco Silva's guidance, Adarabioyo and Bassey have formed a formidable partnership at the heart of Fulham's defense, displacing Tim Ream and Issa Dipo.

With Gabriel Osho's early withdrawal from the Super Eagles squad due to injury, there is growing anticipation for Adarabioyo and Bassey's inclusion in the Nigerian team.

Before the English FA swoops in for Adarabioyo, it's imperative for the Nigeria Football Federation to consider him as a solid replacement for the injured Osho.



https://soccernet.ng/2024/03/are-adarabioyo-and-bassey-the-future-of-nigerias-defense-fulhams-clean-sheet-against-spurs-raises-questions.html

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Bernd Leno sends six-word message after Fulham win over Tottenham Hotspur
Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno has taken to social media to celebrate a 'special' 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Fulham bounced back in style after losing 2-1 away at Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.

ottenham became the latest victims of Marco Silva's side after recent wins over both Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Rodrigo Muniz's stunning run continued with the opener before Sasa Lukic flicked home the second.

Muniz added number three, handing Fulham a thumping victory and another hugely impressive win over a team challenging for Europe.

Bernd Leno on Fulham win
Fulham players will have loved taking another scalp here and we can imagine that goalkeeper Bernd Leno enjoyed it a lot.

The German joined Fulham from Arsenal, meaning he spent many years counting Tottenham as his biggest enemy.

Leno will have loved claiming another win over Spurs on Saturday and took to social media to post a message.

'Another special night at the Cottage' said Leno, celebrating three points and a clean sheet.

Leno's post was flooded with comments from Arsenal supporters who thanked the Fulham stopper for beating Tottenham.

'Once a gooner, always a gooner' was the sentiment throughout and one Arsenal goalkeeper – James Hillson – also sent a message of support to the Fulham ace.

That win was for Fulham though, not Arsenal, and Leno will be looking to push on for a top-half finish.

When you look at some of the sides Fulham have been beating in recent weeks, why can't Silva and co finish above Chelsea, Newcastle and Wolves?

Leno will be vital to any hopes of sneaking into the top 10 and

Fulham are ticking right now, from goalkeeper Leno all the way up to surprise sensation Muniz and Saturday's display just proved once again that nobody will fancy a trip to the Cottage any time soon.



https://www.fulham.news/2024/03/17/bernd-leno-sends-six-word-message-after-fulham-win-over-tottenham-hotspur/

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Fulham scout Szmodics
Fulham are the latest Premier League club to cast a keen eye over Blackburn Rovers forward Sammy Szmodics, according to the Sun.

The Whites watched the new Republic of Ireland call-up score his 21st goal of the season last weekend as Rovers drew with Plymouth Argyle. Fulham's chief scout Brian Talbot was reportedly impressed by the 28 year-old, who has now scored 34 goals in 81 games since moving to Ewood Park from Peterborough United in August 2022.

Fulham could face competition from Brentford for Szmodics' signature come the summer, although the size of the fee could depend on whether Rovers drop into League One.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/fulham-scout-szmodics/

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Robinson raves after putting Spurs to the sword
Antonee Robinson reckons Fulham's fabulous win over Tottenham Hotspur was their best performance of the season.

The American international was in excellent form down the Whites' left flank – supplying a superb ball into the box for the crucial opener converted by Rodrigo Muniz.

The left back told BBC Sport's Match of the Day:

"We've had our moments this season, and that's going to be up there. To do it in the way that we did, and to keep a clean sheet, 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.

We have a really good home record this season. Clean sheets mean a lot to us. If we'd have conceded late on and won 3-1, then the manager would've been really angry at us."

Robinson hailed another superb showing from in-form striker Rodrigo Muniz, who made it seven goals in seven games since he returned to the side at the start of February.

"I've been fortunate to talk a lot about him in a good light. A goal drought is not nice for anyone. It's really good for him. He puts in so much work for us and he's a big credit to himself."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/robinson-raves-after-putting-spurs-to-the-sword/

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Palhinha praises Silva's preparation
João Palhinha hailed Marco Silva's meticulous preparation after Fulham overwhelmed Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage last night.

The Portuguese midfielder told Sky Sports that the key to the Whites' 3-0 win over Champions' League chasing Spurs was in the tactical plan that Silva spent all week drilling into his side.

"Marco and all the staff prepared really well for this game. We analysed Tottenham, we knew that they like to play with Porro especially inside and Kulusevski more on the line and they are a team with a lot of mobility in the middle. I think we had control of the game, we had more shots, and I think we deserved it. All the team, everyone did an amazing game. When we compete against these teams we know that sometimes we will suffer but, this night, I think we made the other side suffer."

Palhinha played a key part in the crucial second goal at the start of the second half, which was Sasa Lukic's first in a Fulham shirt.

"I think it was Willi that distracted the player that was marking me, and after I was free, and saw Lukic more high on the pitch. It was an amazing goal, well played by us, all the team. We maybe could have scored one or two more goals, but the most important thing was the great victory."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/03/palhinha-praises-silvas-preparation/

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PRESS CONFERENCE | Marco Silva Post-Spurs
Marco Silva speaks to the press after our victory over Tottenham on Saturday night.