Monday Fulham Stuff - 22/04/24...

[WhiteJC]

Results

Sunday 21/04
Everton	2-0	Forest
Villa	3-1	Bournemouth
Palace	5-2	West Ham
Fulham	1-3	Liverpool
Castagne

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-3 Liverpool

Ryan Gravenberch had scored three times in cup competitions since joining Liverpool last summer but his effort at Craven Cottage was his first goal in the Premier League

Liverpool put a frustrating fortnight behind them to reignite their Premier League title bid with a welcome win at Fulham.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, making a first league start in more than two months following a knee injury, curled a fabulous first-half free-kick into the top corner to put them ahead.

Timothy Castagne steered Fulham level before the break but Ryan Gravenberch's perfectly-measured 20-yard effort flew in off the post to restore the Reds' advantage.

Diogo Jota sealed the points with an accurate low finish past Bernd Leno from Cody Gakpo's through ball and the margin of victory could arguably have been greater.

Regardless, it was an accomplished and largely trouble-free display from Liverpool that will reassure boss Jurgen Klopp they could yet end his nine-year reign with a second Premier League crown.

Dropped points in a draw at Manchester United and a shock Anfield defeat by Crystal Palace - with a disappointing Europa League exit to Atalanta sandwiched in between - had threatened to derail hopes of further trophies to add to the Carabao Cup they have already collected this season.

But victory at Craven Cottage lifts Liverpool back up to second in the table, level on points with leaders Arsenal - but behind the Gunners on goal difference - and a point above third-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.

"For 80 minutes we played a really good game," Klopp told BBC Match of the Day.

"I didn't like the last 10 minutes of the first half and they got the goal. But that's all right because I loved the second half.

"We want to stay in that race, that's clear. Arsenal won yesterday, Manchester City will win their game in hand, so we have to win games and that's what we'll try [to do]."

Reds pass tricky test on Thames
Klopp's trademark post-match fist-pumping celebration with the travelling supporters seemed to have even more oomph than usual after his side navigated a tricky test they simply could not afford to fail.

Fulham have claimed a string of notable scalps at the Cottage this season, upsetting Arsenal there in December, while European hopefuls Tottenham, Brighton and West Ham have all been soundly beaten too.

Liverpool were fully aware of their credentials, having been taken to the limit by Marco Silva's side in a thrilling 4-3 win earlier this season as well as edging their Carabao Cup semi-final over two legs.

This was far more routine than those prior meetings but it needed Alexander-Arnold - who hit Liverpool's dramatic late winner to down Fulham at Anfield in December - to light the touch paper.

He had already whipped in a fine cross for Luis Diaz to glance a header wide before netting his sixth direct free-kick Premier League for Liverpool with an unstoppable strike that left Leno grasping at thin air.

Gakpo would have located the very same top corner soon after if not for Leno's fingertips but Fulham's best spell of the game resulted in them drawing level in first-half stoppage time.

Not long after Andreas Pereira's attempt to emulate Alexander-Arnold's set-piece magic skimmed the bar, Castagne guided a loose ball in the box into the bottom corner for his first goal since joining Fulham from Leicester last summer.

But the hosts were profligate in possession after the break and Liverpool punished them, first with Gravenberch's exquisite curler and then Jota's composure to wrap up the points.

Fulham, safely ensconced in 12th place in the table, had little by way of response as Liverpool eased off the gas in the closing stages, perhaps with Wednesday night's Merseyside derby at Everton in mind.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68810621

[WhiteJC]

Post-Liverpool Press Conference
Marco Silva admitted that Fulham's second half was not up to the same standard as the first, in Sunday's 3-1 defeat to Liverpool.

After falling behind to Trent Alexander-Arnold's perfect free-kick, the Whites reacted well and grabbed a deserved equaliser courtesy of Timothy Castagne's first goal for the Club.

But after going down again early in the second half to Ryan Gravenberch's strike, we were unable to show a similar reaction, with Diogo Jota also netting to secure the points for the visitors.

"First half was good," Silva admitted. "A balanced first half, not one team on the front foot really.

"We knew how they were going to start, or try to start. I think we were solid, we were in a good shape.

"It was not a first half of many, many chances for both sides. Of course, they scored an excellent free-kick from Arnold, and our reaction was really good.

"I think we had some very good moments as well, some counter-attacks, some open play moments as well.

"Even under pressure we tried to build, and the result at half-time was fair because the reaction was good. I really think we deserved the equaliser and deserved the goal in that moment.

"When you expect the same intensity at the start of the second half, the way we conceded the goal was really hard for us to take. It was a good chance for us to make a good counter-attack down our left hand side, [but] we gave the ball away and they scored with a very good strike.

"And from that moment, I agree the reaction was not so good. It was not good enough, not like the first half reaction, and it was more difficult for us to create chances to equalise."

A further frustration was that both Liverpool's goals in the second half were preventable – something that Silva wants to see his side learn from.

"The way we conceded the two goals, the second and the third goals during the second half, was really hard for us," he said. "We have to learn from that situation, for the future, to not happen again, because after that it was more difficult for us to react.

"The third goal was the goal that killed the game. A moment that we should be stronger in that challenge, we were a little too soft in the challenge, and they won that challenge where our defender should be much stronger because there was a moment for us to stop that situation."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/april/21/post-liverpool-press-conference/

[WhiteJC]

Manager who was sacked by Tottenham spotted at Fulham vs Liverpool game today
A former Tottenham Hotspur manager was spotted in the stands at Liverpool's clash against Fulham today.

Jurgen Klopp's side put in an improved display at Craven Cottage to keep their title hopes firmly on track.

Liverpool opened the scoring just after the half-hour mark as Trent Alexander-Arnold picked out the top corner with an exceptional free-kick.

It wasn't all plain sailing for the Reds though, with Timothy Castagne levelling things up against the run of play right on the stroke of halftime.

Second-half goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota secured a vital 3-1 victory as Liverpool moved level on points with league leaders Arsenal.

And as Liverpool continue to fight for the title, a manager who has lifted the Premier League crown on three occasions was spotted in attendance at Fulham today.

Jose Mourinho spotted at Fulham vs Liverpool
In a picture posted on Sky Sports' official X account, Mourinho can be spotted in the stands at Craven Cottage.

The former Tottenham boss watched on as Liverpool got their title hopes back on track with a win at Fulham.

Of course, the Portuguese boss won't be the most popular figure at Fulham after managing their west London rivals Chelsea.

Mourinho's next job
After delivering a Europa Conference League title to AS Roma back in 2022, Mourinho was relieved of his duties at the Serie A club in January.

Roma were sitting ninth in the table at the time and it leaves Mourinho searching for another opportunity.

Even though Liverpool are looking for a new manager this summer, it's highly unlikely that we'll see the former Tottenham boss at Anfield.

Mourinho's last job in the Premier League was with Spurs and he was sacked just days before the League Cup final back in April 2021.

Whether or not we see the legendary manager back in England remains to be seen as he was linked with a switch to Newcastle earlier this year.



https://tbrfootball.com/manager-who-was-sacked-by-tottenham-spotted-at-fulham-vs-liverpool-game-today/

[WhiteJC]

Former Real Madrid manager snapped multiple times watching Liverpool at Craven Cottage
Jose Mourinho was a surprise attendee spotted observing Liverpool's 3-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

It's still unclear why the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager was in attendance in the English capital for one of the fixtures in the Reds' title run-in.

We certainly hope, with the greatest respect to the Portuguese coach, that it's not because he's a serious candidate for the soon-to-be-vacant manager's position at Anfield this summer.

No... that couldn't happen.



https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/21/ex-real-madrid-manager-watches-liverpool-craven-cottage/

[WhiteJC]

Silva wants Fulham to learn from defeat
Fulham boss Marco Silva called on his players to learn from their mistakes following their 3-1 defeat by Liverpool at Craven Cottage.

After Timothy Castagne's equaliser for the Whites cancelled out  Trent Alexander-Arnold's opener, second-half goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota gave Liverpool victory.

"First half was good. We were solid and in a good shape which made us hard to break down." Silva said.

"They scored and our reaction was really good. We had some great moments in counter-attacks and the result was fair at half-time because of those good moments. We deserved the equaliser in that moment."

"The way we conceded the goal at the start of the second half was really hard for us to take.

"It was a good chance for us to create a counter-attack, something we planned to exploit and did during the first half, but we give the ball away and they score a very good strike.

"From that moment, the reaction was not good enough. It was not like the first half reaction and it was more difficult for us to create chances to equalise.

"The third goal killed the game. We were a bit soft in the defensive challenge when our defenders should be much stronger, and the way we conceded the two goals was really hard for us. We must learn from these situations to prevent them in the future."

Fulham remain 12th following the loss, two points behind Brighton in 10th but having played two games more.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-wants-fulham-to-learn-from-defeat

[demeant0r]

Former Real Madrid manager snapped multiple times watching Liverpool at Craven Cottage
Jose Mourinho was a surprise attendee spotted observing Liverpool's 3-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

It's still unclear why the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager was in attendance in the English capital for one of the fixtures in the Reds' title run-in.

We certainly hope, with the greatest respect to the Portuguese coach, that it's not because he's a serious candidate for the soon-to-be-vacant manager's position at Anfield this summer.

No... that couldn't happen.



https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/21/ex-real-madrid-manager-watches-liverpool-craven-cottage/

What if Mourinho is replacing Boa Morte? 

[WhiteJC]

Arsenal's hopes of a Fulham favour dashed as Klopp's Reds run out 3-1 winners
Fulham 1-3 Liverpool

Goals: Alexander-Arnold (L), Castagne (F), Gravenberch (L), Jota (L)

Liverpool made a mockery of claims that they have run out steam by convincingly seeing off Fulham 3-1 on Jürgen Klopp's last visit to west London.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's off-the-charts free-kick put the visitors ahead on 32 minutes. But Liverpool were pegged back by a low Timothy Castagne finish on the stroke of half-time.

Second-half goals by Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota sealed the win for the title-chasing Reds who have pulled level again with Arsenal at the top of the pack.

The Gunners banked on London rivals Fulham inflicting potentially terminal damage on Liverpool's title hopes but this game was only ever going one way

Liverpool played with confidence and didn't look like a team that just surrendered Premier League top spot a week ago. Or one that just crashed out of the Europa League.

The ambitious Reds were at it from the start and Luis Diaz's flicked header, following a top-drawer delivery by Alexander-Arnold, was not wide off the mark.

Minutes after conceding a free-kick which Harvey Elliott went on to fluff, João Palhinha didn't learn from his mistakes and cynically brought down Jota this time. And the resulting free-kick was deliciously curled into the top corner by Capital Football's man-of-the-match Alexander-Arnold.

The Portuguese has known better days in Stevenage Road as he struggled to deal with Liverpool's quick transitions through the middle and come out on top against Wataru Endo and company.

Heroically, German keeper Bernd Leno ensured that Fulham stayed in the game as he kept out Cody Gakpo's top-corner artillery seconds after Alexander-Arnold's breakthrough.

You can never write off Fulham at home and Marco Silva's men's recovery was on when Castagne latched onto a lose ball to roll home the equalizer in first half stoppage time.

Liverpool should have been out of sight heading into the dressing room yet found themselves back to square one.

But it took them only eight second half minutes to retake the lead.

Ex-Cottager Elliott, booed throughout, played in Gravenberch after intercepting Alex Iwobi's sideways cross and the Dutchman neatly finished from outside the box.

And with Fulham chasing shadows, Portuguese hitman Jota sealed the three points when he slotted past Leno inside the box.

The hosts' hopes of a late recovery hit a snag when Alisson went down low to keep out Tom Cairney's effort.

Whether it was a lack of nasty streak or little contributions at both ends from the fullbacks, Fulham played well below their standards today.

Up next is Crystal Palace and Silva's men have to be a lot better than today to improve on last season's 10th-place finish.



https://www.capitalfootball.co.uk/single-post/arsenal-s-hopes-of-a-fulham-favour-dashed-as-klopp-s-reds-run-out-3-1-winners

[WhiteJC]

Analysis: Fulham 1-3 Liverpool
It's difficult to criticise after a season in which Marco Silva has comfortably guided Fulham to mid-table safety, never in remote danger of being dragged into trouble.

But while 'on the beach' would be too harsh a description of his players, a third defeat in four games suggests the Cottagers' campaign is in danger of petering out timidly.

Of course, there is no shame in a loss to a Liverpool side chasing the Premier League title - but Fulham have made a habit of handing bloody noses to the big boys this season so it was a shame they could not do so again.

In fairness they were the equal of their visitors in the first half with Reds keeper Alisson forced into at least as much as opposite number Bernd Leno.

And when Timothy Castagne steered them level just before half-time, Silva would have sensed a real opportunity to produce another surprise result against a Reds outfit who had endured a confidence-sapping couple of weeks.

But an error-strewn start to the second half put paid to such aspirations.

Nonetheless, they will have a chance to bounce back with back-to-back London derbies against Crystal Palace and Brentford - buoyed by the knowledge their best recent displays have come on such occasions against West Ham and Tottenham.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c72pq1y82yko

[WhiteJC]

Fulham boss Marco Silva bemoans crucial second-half moments in latest Liverpool defeat
Marco Silva felt his Fulham side's reaction to falling behind in the second half cost them dearly in their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.

The Whites reacted well to Trent Alexander-Arnold's free-kick midway through the first half, equalising moments before the interval through Timothy Castagne.

But Jurgen Klopp's side took control after the break, sealing the win through goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota.

"The first half was good, the balance first half...there wasn't one team on the front foot," said Silva.

"We knew how they would try and start, and we were solid. It was difficult for us to break and there were not many chances for either side.

"They scored an excellent free-kick and our reaction was good. We had some good moments as well, some counter attacks and open play moments and even under pressure we tried to build up like we usually do.

"It is true that at half-time we think we deserved the equaliser at that moment.

"When you prepare and expect them to start with the same intensity at the start of the second half, that second goal was really hard to take.

"The reaction was not so good. Not like the first-half reaction and it was difficult for us to create chances to equalise.

"The third goal is a moment where we looked a bit soft in the challenge. Our defenders should be much stronger.

"The way we concede the second and third goals was hard for us and something we need to learn from in the future. Because after that it was difficult to react."

Fulham have failed to beat Liverpool across four meetings in league and cup this season, but this was their first defeat to the Reds by more than a single goal since returning to the Premier League in 2022.

Despite Silva's side rarely looking likely to force a way back into the game in the second period, the Whites head coach still felt his team caused the title-chasers problems.

"The first half was more or less the same direction as the last three or four games against them," he said.

"They scored with a great free-kick, we reacted and scored a great goal. It was the same direction.

"The second half was not the same level as when we normally play against them."



https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/fulham-boss-marco-silva-bemoans-crucial-second-half-moments-in-latest-liverpool-defeat/

[WhiteJC]

Jose Mourinho attends Fulham's defeat to Liverpool, leading to fan speculation The Special One could replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield this summer

    Jose Mourinho was spotted at Craven Cottage watching Fulham vs Liverpool
    Some Reds fans speculated that The Special One could be bound for Anfield

Jose Mourinho was spotted in the crowd at Craven Cottage watching Liverpool's 3-1 win over Fulham on Sunday afternoon.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's superb free-kick opened the scoring, and while Timothy Castagne got an equaliser before half-time, Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota secured the win for the visitors.

The Special One, who has had Premier League management stints with Chelsea and Manchester United, attended the game with Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella.

And whilst Mourinho lives in London, some Liverpool fans started discussing the possibility of the Portuguese manager replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Klopp is stepping away from the Reds after nine years this summer, and there is no clarity about who will be taking charge of Liverpool's charge next summer.


Jose Mourinho attended the Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool
 

The Special One attended the game at Craven Cottage with Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella

One Liverpool fan wrote on X (fka Twitter): 'Bro thinks he will take over Klopp'.

Another added in response: 'We can do much worse than Mou... If our favorites are not available at the moment maybe a "short term" solution like Mourinho could fill the gap until the "right" manager is free and willing to come...'

A third wrote: 'He's the special one, welcome to Liverpool'.

But not everyone was impressed by the concept of Mourinho stepping up to the plate at Anfield.

One wrote: 'I aint hearing anyone out. His defensive approach may have worked a decade ago, but right now it just aint it. We'll become a laughing stock if he comes here.'

However, not everyone thought Mourinho was eyeing up Klopp's role - with one joking that Marco Silva's position was under threat.

'I think he's a little above Fulham, personally,' one X user said. 

Mourinho previously told reporters at Moto GP's Portuguese Grand Prix that he was looking for work this summer. 



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13334291/Jose-Mourinho-attends-Fulhams-defeat-Liverpool-leading-fan-speculation-Special-One-replace-Jurgen-Klopp-Anfield-summer.html

[WhiteJC]

Silva bemoans sloppy second half
Marco Silva felt Fulham gifted Liverpool two goals during a sloppy second half as his side slipped to defeat against Liverpool yesterday afternoon.

The Fulham boss was disappointed by the way the Whites failed to match Liverpool's intensity at the start of the second half after equalising in first half stoppage time through Timothy Castagne with mistakes from Alex Iwobi and Tosin Adarabioyo giving the title-chasing Reds an unassailable lead.

He told his post-match press conference:

"The way we conceded the two goals, the second and the third goals during the second half, was really hard for us. We have to learn from that situation, for the future, to not happen again, because after that it was more difficult for us to react. The third goal was the goal that killed the game. A moment that we should be stronger in that challenge, we were a little too soft in the challenge, and they won that challenge where our defender should be much stronger because there was a moment for us to stop that situation."

Silva believed his side responded well to going behind to a fine free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold and were well in the game at half time.

"The first half was good. A balanced first half, not one team on the front foot really. We knew how they were going to start, or try to start. I think we were solid, we were in a good shape. It was not a first half of many, many chances for both sides. Of course, they scored an excellent free-kick and our reaction was really good.

I think we had some very good moments as well, some counter-attacks, some open play moments as well. Even under pressure we tried to build, and the result at half-time was fair because the reaction was good. I really think we deserved the equaliser and deserved the goal in that moment.

When you expect the same intensity at the start of the second half, the way we conceded the goal was really hard for us to take. It was a good chance for us to make a good counter-attack down our left hand side, [but] we gave the ball away and they scored with a very good strike. I agree the reaction was not so good. It was not good enough, not like the first half reaction, and it was more difficult for us to create chances to equalise."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/silva-bemoans-sloppy-second-half/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham 1-3 Liverpool: Player ratings
Bernd Leno: The German goalkeeper had little chance with either of Liverpool's first two goals. Trent Alexander-Arnold's free-kick was perfectly placed in the top corner and he was also grasping for air in trying to get near Ryan Gravenberch's peach of a strike that restored the visitors' lead. Might have done better in standing up to repel Diogo Jota's third but has to be in credit after making two terrific save to deny Cody Gakpo either side of half time. 7

Timothy Castagne: The Belgian international had a fine game from right back. Got forward to good effect down the right flank throughout a busy first half – in an area of the field with Fulham had some joy with Andy Robertson regularly venturing forward to join Liverpool's attack. Cracked home his first goal for the Whites with an assured finish into the bottom corner that any striker would have been proud of and didn't let his head drop even when the visitors went well clear in the second half. 7

Antonee Robinson: A tricky afternoon for the American as Luis Diaz and Jota posed all sorts of questions as they interchanged along the Liverpool right and Robinson lost the battle of attack minded full-backs against Trent Alexander-Arnold. Didn't make any dreadful mistakes but found it difficult to impose himself on proceedings, especially given that the Reds carried plenty of threat going the other way. 6

Tosin Adarabioyo: A day to forget for Tosin, who rounded off a poor performance by getting into the way of a Rodrigo Muniz bicycle kick that looked like it was threatening Alisson Becker's goal. The centre back hasn't signed the contract extension with a big wage increase that Fulham have put on the table, so it seems reasonable to assume that he has his heart set on leaving for pastures new on a free transfer come the summer. You have to wonder whether it's time to pull him out of the firing line and plan for next season especially after such an apologetic attempt at tackling Gakpo in the lead up to Liverpool's third goal. 5

Calvin Bassey: The Nigerian international's blend of physicality and pace was tested to the limit against a lively Liverpool forward line – and Bassey largely stood up to the challenge well. Made a couple of crucial last-ditch tackles on Diaz and distributed the ball well from the back as well as being largely blameless for the Liverpool goals. 6

Joao Palhinha: The Portuguese powerhouse fought a raging battle with the Liverpool midfield and Craig Pawson throughout the afternoon. He nicked possession back high up the field and began a move that finished with him placing a shot that lacked power and direction a little too close to Alisson. But his presence proved enough to force the visitors into errors at times and Fulham were very much in the match when they headed in at half time. It was no surprise that he was hooked with twenty minutes to go, having picked up a caution in conceding the free-kick that led to Alexander-Arnold's opener – and there was inevitability about how the home midfield became easier for Gravenberch to dissect seconds later for the vital third. 7

Sasa Lukic: An industrious effort from the Serbian, but Liverpool's extra quality in a three-man midfield eventually told in the second half. A blend of combative tackling and creativity helped Fulham make the most of limited possession in the first period, but the Whites were all too easily overwhelmed once Gravenberch's gem of an effort restored their lead after a prolonged period of pressure at the start of the second half. Fired a half chance over after Muniz's bicycle kick was inadvertently blocked by Tosin. 6

Alex Iwobi: An below-par performance from the Nigerian midfielder culminated in the crucial error that handed Liverpool control of the contest. Fulham looked to have worked their way out of a tight spot in their own penalty when Iwobi launched a crossfield ball that was seized upon by Harvey Elliott and Gravenberch took full advantage of a bit of time and space to bend in Liverpool's second goal. It was an afternoon where Iwobi's mix of flicks, tricks and drifting in from wide didn't really work – and somewhat surprising that the switch for Adama Traore didn't come until five minutes from the end. 5

Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Fulham sorely missed the wily wing play of Brazilian veteran Willian, ruled out with a groin injury he sustained during training, but that certainly wasn't Bobby De Cordova-Reid's fault. A measure of how Marco Silva values the endeavour of the Jamaican international came in how he was handed the captain's armband and De Cordova-Reid was at the heart of some of Fulham's finer first half moments, including a drive into the box that could easily have resulted in a penalty. Did plenty of diligent defensive work as well. 6

Andreas Pereira: Pereira, perhaps buoyed by his brilliance at West Ham last weekend, was lively and looked one of the most likely men to get Fulham back into the game. The home side didn't have much possession to build on in the first half following Liverpool's swift start, but the Brazilian popped up in dangerous positions and deployed a range of passes to distribute the ball well in the final third. Forced a fingertip save from Alisson just before Castagne's leveller. 7

Rodrigo Muniz: A fourth game in a row without a goal for Fulham's Brazilian forward after his magical March but it certainly wasn't for the want of trying. He nearly squeezed an effort past Alisson at the near post towards the end of the first half after a sharp turn in the penalty area and played a key role in the equaliser despite being bundled over by Jarrell Quansah. Kept working hard despite the scoreline and showed great desire to reach the rebound after the Liverpool keeper parried a late Cairney shot, even if the angle for his follow-up proved too acute. 6

Substitutes:

Harry Wilson: Had a couple of bright moments against his former employers but the game turned decisively into Liverpool's favour merely seconds after the Welsh winger had been introduced in place of the workmanlike Bobby De Cordova-Reid. 6

Tom Cairney: Quietly, the Scottish international restored a bit of composure to the Fulham midfield after Liverpool's third goal. His presence in the middle of the park gives the Whites a greater share of possession and poses more of a threat to the opposite defence. Cairney drew a good, low save from Alisson after finding room to shoot from 20 yards or so late on. 7

Adama Traore: This game looked as if it was made for the speedy Spanish winger's pace but the substitution occurred so late it was proved academic. 6



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/fulham-1-3-liverpool-player-ratings/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham Women score seven at Enfield
Fulham Women put seven past Enfield Town in a clinical display at a sunkissed Donkey Lane yesterday afternoon. Striker Sophie Manzi scored a hat-trick, while winger Georgia Heasman bagged a brace and Belle Taylor-Makepeace grabbed another goal during her impressive loan spell from Tottenham Hotspur.

Fulham looked the fresher of the two teams having had a week off and attacked with gusto from the off. They took the lead on thirteen minutes when a sumptuous ball from Manzi gave Heasman a first sight of goal and the forward needed no second invitation to wrong foot the Enfield goalkeeper and give the visitors the lead.

Manzi got herself on the scoresheet with an audacious finish a minute later from Fulham's very next attack after beating her marker brilliantly and the former Dulwich striker had a big third in the third goal, which arrived within two more minutes. Manzi cracked an effort against the crossbar and Taylor-Makepeace was rewarded for her anticipation as drove in the rebound.

Manzi rolled home her second of the afternoon from the penalty spot midway through the first period, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way with a calmly taken spot kick. Fulham had further chances early in the second half when substitutes Mary Southgate and Tessa Allen combined but the latter's shot flew fractionally over the crossbar. Madi Parsonson rifled home a fifth from the edge of the box to cap another all-action display – but the Cottagers weren't satisfied.

Manzi fired over just after the hour mark as he sought her hat-trick but the formidable forward was not to be denied. She drove home after a mazy dribble from Ede Buchele culminated in an inch-perfect ball from the teenager to make it 6-0 with twenty minutes to play. Buchele played her part in the final goal of the afternoon as well – teeing up Heasman for her second strike six minutes later as Steve Jaye's side recorded a resounding victory.

FULHAM FC WOMEN (3-4-3): Parker; Tagliavini, Beaver, Dale; Parsonson, Mendes, Barron-Clark, Lambird; Heasman, Taylor-Makepeace, Manzi. Subs: Allen, Southgate, Adamson, Buchele, Olds.

GOALS: Heasman (13, 76), Manzi (14, pen 23, 70), Taylor-Makepeace (16), Parsonson (53).

REFEREE: Dave Goater.

ATTENDANCE: 100.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/04/fulham-women-score-seven-at-enfield/

[H4usuallysitting]

Former Real Madrid manager snapped multiple times watching Liverpool at Craven Cottage
Jose Mourinho was a surprise attendee spotted observing Liverpool's 3-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

It's still unclear why the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager was in attendance in the English capital for one of the fixtures in the Reds' title run-in.

We certainly hope, with the greatest respect to the Portuguese coach, that it's not because he's a serious candidate for the soon-to-be-vacant manager's position at Anfield this summer.

No... that couldn't happen.



https://www.empireofthekop.com/2024/04/21/ex-real-madrid-manager-watches-liverpool-craven-cottage/

I think it's one of Mourinho's favourite grounds....plus he has a house up the road

[filham]

I think I am right in saying that Mourinho has been seen at the Cottage before and hopefully there is nothing to be read into it.

[alfie]

I think I am right in saying that Mourinho has been seen at the Cottage before and hopefully there is nothing to be read into it.

He was there, he enjoys coming to Fulham when he can, he has always liked it here.

[sunburywhite]

I think I am right in saying that Mourinho has been seen at the Cottage before and hopefully there is nothing to be read into it.

He was there, he enjoys coming to Fulham when he can, he has always liked it here.

Normally because he always got three points each time he came to the ground

[sunburywhite]

He might have been in talks for West Ham job

[LC]

I think I am right in saying that Mourinho has been seen at the Cottage before and hopefully there is nothing to be read into it.

He was there, he enjoys coming to Fulham when he can, he has always liked it here.

Yes, I think I'm right in saying that his son was in our academy at one point. But he has visited us over the years when he is in-between jobs.