Sunday Fulham Stuff - 29/09/24...

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Results

Saturday 28/09
Newcastle	1-1	Man City
Arsenal	4-2	Leicester
Brentord	1-1	West Ham
Chelsea	4-2	Brighton
Everton	2-1	Palace
Forest	0-1	Fulham
		Raúl
Wolves	1-2	Liverpool

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Nottingham Forest 0-1 Fulham
Raul Jimenez scored his 50th Premier League goal with a clinical penalty as Fulham's impressive start to the season continued with victory at Nottingham Forest.

Fulham were awarded a penalty early in the second half after referee Josh Smith was urged to consult the pitchside monitor by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Smith had seemingly missed the infringement but determined from the replays that Forest defender Murillo had scraped his studs along the back of Andreas Pereira's calf.

Pereira is Fulham's designated penalty taker but Jimenez took the ball off him - amid some disagreement between the pair - and emphatically buried the spot-kick.

The goal opened up what had hitherto been a tight contest as the directness and tricky skills of Forest substitutes Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga gave the home side greater purpose.

Hudson-Odoi went close after a mazy dribble when he cut in from the left, but could only lift his shot over the crossbar while Fulham keeper Bernd Leno had his palms stung by a spectacular volleyed effort from Jota Silva.

Jimenez went close to scoring a second when he curled wide from a good position before Marco Silva's side showed composure to see off Forest's late pressure.

Fulham's victory was their third of the season and helped them climb up to sixth in the table - just four points off leaders Liverpool.

Jimenez hits half-century
Jimenez plundered 13 and 17 goals in his first two Premier League campaigns while at Wolves between 2018 and 2020.

His goalscoring returns since suffering a fractured his skull which threatened to end his career in November 2020 have, however, been relatively modest.

There has always been the unerring sense that the psychological baggage of such a shocking injury – which kept him out for more than seventh months - meant Jimenez would never be the same player again.

The fact he is still playing, thanks to a special head protector, is testament to a love of the game.

To see him reach a half-century of goals in England's top-flight is heartening.

Jimenez emphatically notched his 50th from the penalty spot, stuttering with his run-up to deceive Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels before carefully placing it into the net.

He was unlucky not to have scored a second later in the game.

Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez (53) is the only Mexican with more goals in the Premier League and Jimenez will surely overtake that milestone.

Three goals in his last four appearances – and nine in his past 10 league starts – hints at a striker on the cusp of the kind of hot streak he produced when he burst into English football.

Shortly after the final whistle Jimenez peeled off his Fulham shirt and ran over to the away supporters.

He presented his shirt to a dumbfounded Fulham fan wearing a Mexico national team top. At 33, Jimenez is clearly relishing every moment.




https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cwyl76e71qpt

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Post-Nottingham Forest Press Conference
Marco Silva was delighted with his team's resolve in their win away to Nottingham Forest.

"Great win for us. Great battle, tight game, as we expected, and the boys did really well when we had to keep our organisation and show the character in the last minutes of the game.

"We showed it (character) from the first minute, to be honest. We started to command the game the way we like to on the ball. We faced a team playing a direct game, one striker to fight second balls, the other running in behind, and every throw-in around our box, a lot of challenge, a lot of battles, a lot of second balls. But the reality is that (Bernd Leno had to make) one save from long range, and there was not one chance for Forest throughout the game.

"You knew that they were going to try to wait for our mistake. They are not going to press and it was key for us to not lose the ball. We were patient. We moved the ball and sometimes a little bit slower than normal, but it was important for us to not lose the ball in key areas of the pitch, to not give what they wanted. They wanted our mistake to punish and the reality this afternoon is that we didn't give them that.

"And, of course, the way we played, the way we normally manage the ball, you can be able to create chances. There were not many, but we scored from a penalty. I think the reality is that we deserve the points."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/september/28/post-nottingham-forest-press-conference/

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Barry Lloyd: 1949-2024

The Club is saddened to learn of the death of former captain Barry Lloyd.

The West London-born midfielder joined Fulham from Chelsea in December 1968 and went on to make 286 appearances for the Whites, earning promotion to the Second Division in the 1970/71 season.

He will also be remembered by Fulham fans as part of the squad who reached the 1975 FA Cup Final, where he was named as a substitute.

After spending the rest of his playing career at Hereford, Brentford and Houston Hurricane, he enjoyed managerial stints with Yeovil, Worthing and Brighton.

Lloyd is also a Forever Fulham recipient, having been inducted in March 2022.

Everyone at the Club would like to offer our condolences to Barry's family and friends at this sad time.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/september/28/barry-lloyd/

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Former Fulham and Chelsea star Barry Lloyd dies aged 75 as tributes pour in from his former clubs

    Former Chelsea and Fulham midfielder Barry Lloyd has passed away at 75
    Lloyd spent six years in charge of Brighton and led them to the second tier

Former Chelsea and Fulham midfielder Barry Lloyd has died at the age of 75.

After graduating from Chelsea's youth academy Lloyd made his senior debut for the Blues in 1966 but found opportunities hard to come by at Stamford Bridge.

A swap deal involving Republic of Ireland international John Dempsey would see him join Fulham in 1968.

With the Cottagers languishing in the third tier, Lloyd was handed the captain's armband and led the club to promotion in the 1970-71 season enjoying the most prolific campaign of his career in the process.

He would remain a stalwart in the years that followed, playing a total of eight seasons in west London and making 286 appearances in all competitions.

After departing Craven Cottage in 1976, Lloyd would spend short spells at Hereford, Brentford and NASL side Houston Hurricane before hanging up his boots in 1978 to move into coaching.

Lloyd spent six years in charge of Brighton between 1987 and 1993 after initially arriving as assistant to Alan Mullery.

During that time he led the Seagulls out of the Third Division and came within one game of taking them to the top flight but suffered defeat in the play-off final against Notts County.

In a post on social media, Brighton's official account wrote: 'We are deeply saddened to report the passing of our former manager Barry Lloyd, aged 75.

'We extend our sincere condolences to Barry's family and friends at this saddest of times.

'The players will wear black armbands today and there will be a tribute next weekend against Spurs.'

Meanwhile a statement from Fulham read: 'The Club is saddened to learn of the death of former captain Barry Lloyd.

'The West London-born midfielder joined Fulham from Chelsea in December 1968 and went on to make 286 appearances for the Whites, earning promotion to the Second Division in the 1970/71 season.

'He will also be remembered by Fulham fans as part of the squad who reached the 1975 FA Cup Final, where he was named as a substitute.

After spending the rest of his playing career at Hereford, Brentford and Houston Hurricane, he enjoyed managerial stints with Yeovil, Worthing and Brighton.

Lloyd is also a Forever Fulham recipient, having been inducted in March 2022.

Everyone at the Club would like to offer our condolences to Barry's family and friends at this sad time.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13898559/Former-Fulham-Chelsea-star-Barry-Lloyd-dies-aged-75-tributes-pour-former-clubs.html

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Jimenez's penalty gives Fulham victory
Raul Jimenez made it three goals in three Premier League games as Fulham secured a first league away win of the season.

Jimenez made no mistake from the penalty spot after Andreas Pereira was trodden on. Referee Josh Smith checked the screen and the spot-kick was given.

The best action in a turgid first half was when Forest striker Chris Wood squeezed a shot over the line, but it was ruled out for offside.

After the deadlock was broken, Callum Hudson-Odoi came closest to equalising for the hosts, but his shot curled over the bar.

Fulham defended brilliantly, and earned a first clean sheet of the season. Forest suffered defeat in the league for the first time this season.
Fulham: Leno, Tete, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson, Lukic (Reed 82′) Pereira (Berge 69′), Smith Rowe (Diop 87′), Traore (Nelson 69′), Jimenez (Muniz 82′), Iwobi



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/jimenezs-goal-gives-fulham-victory-at-forest

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Raul Jimenez scores controversial winner as Fulham beat Nottingham Forest
Raul Jimenez's controversial penalty clinched Fulham a 1-0 win at the City Ground and halted Nottingham Forest's unbeaten Premier League start.

Jimenez converted his 50th goal in the English top flight early in the second half after a lengthy VAR check, which ended with referee Josh Smith viewing the pitch-side monitor.

Forest had won two and drawn three of their previous five matches and their highest crowd in over a decade – 30,139 – was denied a first home league win since April.

But Forest's fans were left frustrated as a second VAR decision went against them and Fulham – now unbeaten in their last five league games – had their measure.

Two of the Premier League's in-form teams failed to find the spark to ignite a largely uneventful first half, which passed by with few noteworthy incidents.

Awoniyi Taiwo, who made his first league start of the season, fashioned the game's first chance as his improvised overhead kick from Elliot Anderson's near-post flick-on flew wide of Bernd Leno's right-hand post.

Forest fans thought Chris Wood had given them the lead soon after when he poked home Nikola Milenkovic's knock-down in the 25th minute, but VAR confirmed the striker was offside.

Fulham had enjoyed more possession up until that point and were tidy with it, but Jimenez's low shot on the turn two minutes later was their first effort on target.

Awoniyi was replaced by Anthony Elanga during the interval and moments after the restart the game was ignited when Fulham were awarded a contentious penalty.

Andreas Pereira went tumbling under Murillo's challenge and, after checking the pitch-side monitor, Smith pointed to the spot.

Jimenez converted his third league goal of the season in the 51st minute amid a chorus of boos from the home fans.

Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo responded by sending on Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jota Silva for Anderson and Nico Dominguez before home supporters were further aggrieved when another VAR decision went against them.

Elanga went down following Calvin Bassey's tackle, but there did not appear to be any contact.

Hudson-Odoi cut inside to fire over the crossbar and was prominent as Forest chased an equaliser.

Jota's well-struck volley was easily held by Matz Sels and captain Ryan Yates' close-range effort crashed against his own player.

Forest laid siege on the Fulham goal during eight minutes of added time, but the Londoners stood firm to seal their first away win of the season.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/raul-jimenez-scores-controversial-winner-160539667.html

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Nottingham Forest 0-1 Fulham: Raul Jimenez scores for the third league game running as Nuno Espirito Santo's side lose for the first time this season

    Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest lost for the first time this season
    Fulham won at the City Ground thanks to a controversial Raul Jimenez penalty

Fulham needed a controversial penalty to claim three points at the City Ground as Mexican striker Raul Jimenez scored for the third consecutive match to secure a 1-0 victory and inflict a first defeat of the season on Nottingham Forest.

On the face of it this was what neutrals might call a dead rubber fixture, but tell that to those in attendance as both Nottingham Forest and Fulham arrived at the City Ground above Man United and Spurs in the Premier League standings and each boasting ambitions to put early pressure on those above them in the chase for European football.

Fast forward from their last May encounter - that saw Forest secure a win that eventually helped keep them in the division - and they arrived at home unbeaten, having claimed a historic victory at Anfield and a chance of sneaking into the top four.

If home supporters needed a spark to get them off their seats then Taiwo Awoniyi's early show of strength to brush Fulham defender Antonee Robinson off the ball in the opening exchanges provided that as the City Ground celebrated winning a corner like they had just scored.

The Forest striker doesn't fit the typical modern day build of an Erling Haaland or Gabriel Jesus, instead his frame matches the old school suit of a Wayne Rooney figure and his acrobatic attempt in the 19th minute almost recreated the former Man United striker's legendary finish, only to drop just wide.


Fulham became the first team to beat Nottingham Forest this season, thanks to a 1-0 victory
 

The only goal of the game at the City Ground was a penalty kick converted by Raul Jimenez
 

Mexican Jimenez has now scored in three straight Premier League appearances for Fulham

There was an early fluidity to Forest's play that Fulham struggled to cope with as the host's showed attacking variation to create on the counter-attack, ping passes through the middle and at times go long to Awoniyi who possesses the physicality to match any of the Premier League's centre forwards.

His strike partner, Chris Wood, then thought he had put Forest ahead by tapping in a header back across the face of goal only to be shown correctly offside in the 25th minute.

Fulham finally mounted their first attack not long after that with Alex Iwobi reversing a pass through Forest's box that Premier League veteran Raul Jimenez reacted quickest to only for his tame effort to settle into the hands of Matz Sels as Marco Silva's side struggled to get going with usual creators Emile Smith-Rowe and Andreas Pereira largely negated out the game.

Both competitors battled to take the lead on approach to halftime with the home side looking the more convincing in attack and only denied an opening goal through scrappy last-man defending as Fulham threw bodies on the line and Forest just lacking the composure needed in such crowded situations.

Weak shouts for two quick penalties came from Forest fans on the stroke of the halfway stage as Awoniyi and Wood hit the deck in the same attack. Both were quickly told to get up and rightly so as proceedings remained goalless at the interval.


Fulham's penalty was awarded following a VAR review and after the referee had seen a replay
 

Forest keeper Matz Sels dived the correct way but he was unable to keep out Jimenez's shot
 

Happy Fulham supporters pictured singing during Saturday's away victory in Nottingham

Nuno Espirito Santos made changes for the visit of Fulham, Morgan Gibbs-White enforced after being sent off against Brighton last time out, but also choosing to relegate attacking stars Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi to the bench as both were given a rest after a heavy run of minutes. Elanga was only given a 45 minute rest with him making his introduction in favour of Awoniyi.

Then came Fulham's claim that this time did stick as Pereira went down in the box, VAR took a look and a quick pitchside review determined that a spot-kick should be awarded. Murillo and the entire City Ground protested his innocence but a clear push regardless of the power behind it gives officials an easy decision to make and ultimately this was a costly mistake for Forest to concede.

A tepid scrap amongst Fulham's forwards over who would take the penalty ensued before JImenez took control and the Mexican made no mistake from the spot as his shot crept inside the post.

Finally this match had some real spark as Espirito Santo made a double-change with both Hudson-Odoi and Jota Silva making their introductions and immediately causing problem amongst Fulham's defence. Three quick attacks should have resulted in an equaliser, most notably Hudson-Odoi brilliantly skipping past three defenders inside the box before blasting his shot over the bar in the 63rd minute. A poor finish.

MATCH FACTS & PLAYER RATINGS
Nottingham Forest (4-4-2): Sels 6, Murillo 5, Anderson 5 (Hudson-Odoi 57', 7), Awoniyi 6 (Elanga 45', 6), Wood 6, Dominguez 5.5 (Jota 57', 7), Ward-Prowse 6, Moreno 6 (Williams 84', 5), Yates 6, Milenkovic 6, Aina 6

Subs not used: Miguel, Morato, Williams, Hudson-Odoi, Toffolo, Silva, Sosa, Boly

Booked: Murillo, Yates

Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo 6
 
Fulham (4-2-3-1): Leno 6, Tete 6, Bassey 7, Anderson 6, Jimenez 7 (Muniz 83'), Traore 7 (Nelson 69' 6), Pereira 6 (Berge 69', 6), Lukic 5 (Reed 83'), Smith-Rowe 5 (Diop 88'), Robinson 6

Subs not used: Benda, Wilson, Cairney, Castagne

Goals: Jimenez 51'

Booked: Tete, Lukic, Leno, Reed

Manager: Marco Silva 7
 
Referee: Josh Smith 5


The same attack prompted Forest shouts for their own penalty with Elanga going down after being clipped by Calvin Bassey as the centre-back tried to clear the ball. There was contact but the former Man United star had jumped into the movement of Bassey's swinging foot and VAR correctly allowed play to continue.

If there is one complaint of Forest's blossoming and young squad then it is their game-management. As tempers rose amongst Forest fans, they also flared on the pitch and desperation turned to sloppiness in contrast to a composed Fulham who did the simple things well and showed all their experience to run the clock down.

Two VAR checks, countless offsides and regular fouls in the second-half resulted in eight minutes of time being added on. A solo run from Elanga to get on the end of a lobbed pass forward and a hopeful Bassey shot from range provided rare glimpses of changing the scoreline.

Forest recorded their highest home attendance in over a decade at 30,139 supporters for the visit of Fulham, but this was a match that eventually proved to be the crack in their unbeaten shell.




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13902145/Nottingham-Forest-0-1-Fulham-Raul-Jimenez-scores-league-game-running-Nuno-Espirito-Santos-lose-time-season.html

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Mike Dean shares his verdict on VAR's decision not to award Nottingham Forest a penalty vs Fulham
Nottingham Forest's unbeaten start to the season has come to an end on Saturday following defeat to Fulham.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side were left frustrated at the City Ground with the visitors taking three points through a narrow 1-0 victory.

Forest did have the ball in the back of the net through Chris Wood but saw VAR rule the opening goal of the afternoon out for offside.

But it was a refereeing decision which provided Fulham with the opportunity to take the lead as Raul Jimenez slotted home from the penalty spot.

However, there was an incident which saw Forest appealing for their own penalty in the second half of the game at the City Ground.

Mike Dean shares verdict on Nottingham Forest penalty appeal
After Fulham had opened the scoring, Anthony Elanga attempted to steal the ball off Calvin Bassey who appeared to swipe the Swede's feet from under him.

Bassey was on the ground as he attempted to control the ball before Elanga nipped in front of him.

There was clear contact yet neither the referee nor VAR gave the decision to the home side which will have left Nuno furious in the stands.



https://www.nottinghamforest.news/2024/09/28/mike-dean-shares-his-verdict-on-vars-decision-not-to-award-nottingham-forest-a-penalty-vs-fulham/

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ulham U18 2-1 West Brom U18

Goals from Alfie White and Farhaan Ali Wahid helped Fulham Under-18s to a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday morning.

Adam Okorodudu came up with a reply for the visitors, but the victory means our U18s are now five games unbeaten, with four of those wins.

The first chance of the game fell to Bashil Lubega who powered a strike towards goal, only for Rhys Morrish to make a vital block which saw the shot deflect wide.

From that resulting corner, which was whipped in by Macaulay Zepa, Lubega missed the target with a header from close range.

White's opener was a fantastic individual goal. He marched through the middle of the pitch, checked in onto his right foot and curled a strike into the far bottom corner.

Some neat combination play down the left side from the visitors eventually saw the ball fall to Divine Onyemachi, but his effort from 25 yards was too high.

The crossbar denied Ali Wahid from doubling our lead 10 minutes before the interval. Zepa picked out his opposite winger with a diagonal pass – and Ali Wahid rattled the woodwork after cutting inside onto his right foot.

He wasn't to be denied on the stroke of half-time, though, as he completed a memorable week. The winger pounced on an error at the back and coolly slotted the ball past Louis Brady to score his third goal in seven days.

Ali Melloul's side deserved another goal on the hour mark. Intricate passing around the box involving White, Zepa and Ali Wahid saw the ball fall at Aidan Evans' feet, but he sliced a shot into the side netting.

Okorodudu gave the Baggies a route back into the game, rising highest to nod home from a corner from the right.

The visitors continued to push – and Marco Underwood had to be at his best to get down and parry Matthew Crowther's promising shot from the edge of the area.

Pressure continued to be piled on our Young Whites, but the likes of Logan Cooke and Eddy Nsasi defended heroically at the back to help secure the three points.

Our U18s are next in action on Saturday 5th October with a trip to Wolves in the Premier League Cup, 12pm kick-off.

Fulham U18: Underwood, Simons, Cooke, Nsasi, Picotto, Quashie, White, Zepa (Platel 94'), Evans (Wingate 72'), Ali-Wahid, Lubega

Subs: Kaiser, Hall, Khan, Platel, Wingate

West Bromwich Albion U18: Brady, Maughan, Dupont, Morrish, Letlat (Sears 88'), Crowther, Blackshields (McNeil 90'), Beedie (Okorodudu 61'), Parmar, Onyemachi, Chimeziri

Subs: Abudu, Wilkes, Sears, Okorodudu, McNeil



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2024/september/28/fulham-u18s-2-1-west-brom-u18s/

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Raul Jimenez Hits 50th Premier League Goal as Fulham Triumph
Fulham's Steely Victory at Nottingham Forest Shows Premier League Ambition

Raul Jimenez secured his 50th Premier League goal with a decisive penalty, guiding Fulham to a well-earned victory over Nottingham Forest. The win highlights Fulham's impressive early season form, as they continue to climb the Premier League table.

Jimenez Strikes After VAR Review
In a match that had been tightly contested up to the hour mark, the turning point came through a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention. Fulham were awarded a penalty after referee John Brooks was prompted to review the footage on the pitchside monitor. Initially, Brooks had missed the challenge by Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, but after a second look, it was clear that Murillo had made contact, scraping his studs down the back of Andreas Pereira's calf.

Raul Jimenez, ever the calm figure in high-pressure situations, stepped up and confidently converted the penalty. His emphatic strike was a milestone—the 50th Premier League goal of his career—and put Fulham ahead at a crucial juncture in the game.

Forest Fight Back but Fall Short
The goal opened up what had been a cagey encounter, with both teams struggling to find real rhythm in the first half. Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo attempted to inject life into his side, bringing on substitutes Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga, who immediately added an extra dimension to the attack. Hudson-Odoi, in particular, looked dangerous, dribbling effortlessly past defenders and coming close to an equaliser with a shot that narrowly flew over the crossbar.

Fulham, however, stood firm. Bernd Leno, Fulham's ever-reliable goalkeeper, produced a fine save to deny Jota Silva's stunning volley, keeping his side in control.

Fulham's Composure Seals Victory
As the match wore on, Fulham had chances to extend their lead, with Jimenez once again coming close, curling a shot just wide of the post. Despite Nottingham Forest's late pressure, Marco Silva's side showed composure and defensive discipline to see out the game.

Fulham's win, their third of the Premier League campaign, sees them rise to sixth in the table, just three points behind the leaders. For a team tipped by many to struggle this season, Fulham have shown early signs that they are capable of competing at a higher level.

Fulham's Strong Start
It's clear that Marco Silva has built a side with a blend of attacking prowess and defensive resilience. Jimenez's return to form is a key factor, but so too is the team's collective spirit. With three victories already under their belt, Fulham are proving they belong in the upper echelons of the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, will be left to rue missed chances. Despite a promising start to their own season, they struggled to break down a well-organised Fulham defence and now face the task of regaining momentum in the coming weeks.



https://eplindex.com/120785/raul-jimenez-hits-50th-premier-league-goal-as-fulham-triumph.html

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RIP Barry Lloyd
Fulham have announced the sad passing of the club's former captain Barry Lloyd, aged 75.

The committed midfielder, who moved to Craven Cottage from Chelsea in December 1968, made 268 appearances for the Whites, scoring 30 goals. He was part of the side that won promotion from the Third Division in 1970/71, scoring nine times in 53 games. Lloyd was also part of the team that reached the 1975 FA Cup final and was an unused substitute at Wembley.

He left the Cottage the following year and had spells with Hereford United, Brentford and Houston Hurricane before calling time on his playing career in 1978. Lloyd managed Yeovil Town, Worthing (twice) and Brighton and Hove Albion and received his richly deserved Forever Fulham award from club director David Daly two years ago.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/09/rip-barry-lloyd/

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Raul ruins Forest's unbeaten start
Whisper it quietly, but fighting Fulham ended a Premier League unbeaten run for the second weekend in succession this afternoon. Where last week Marco Silva's side shattered Newcastle United's promising start in some style, they showed plenty of grit to ruin Nottingham Forest's unbeaten opening to the new season at the City Ground. The visitors were good value for a hard-fought victory – which came courtesy of Raul Jimenez's controversial second half spot-kick – and are now undefeated in five Premier League fixtures themselves.

The City Ground's highest crowd in more than a decade left largely disappointed as Nuno Espirito Santo's side missed the creativity of suspended playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White with both Taiwo Awoniyi and Chris Wood spurning good chances to give the home side the lead. Awoniyi almost acrobatically punished some ponderous defending as Fulham failed to react to old boy Ola Aina's long throw being headed on by Ryan Yates, but the striker's bicycle kick flew just over the crossbar.

Five minutes later, the home fans thought they had taken the lead only for Wood's bundled finish from Nikola Milenkovic's header to be ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR check. Fulham had enjoyed the lion's share of possession before that but their brightest moments came through Adama Traore's pace and power along the right flank, with one low cross flying right across the face of goal.

The visitors' first chance arrived shortly afterwards when Jimenez linked cleverly with Alex Iwobi and Emile Smith Rowe only for the Mexican's shot on the spin to be too close to Mats Sels at his near post. Silva's side looked purposeful for much of the first period but struggled to mount a serious threat on the Forest goal, with a succession of half chances following a header from Joachim Andersen at the back post before Sasa Lukic dragged a shot wide of the target.

Nuno sent on Anthony Elanga for Awoniyi at half time after Andersen and Calvin Bassey had coped comfortably with the direct threat of Forest's two centre forwards, but the game turned decisively in Fulham's favour after the interval. The visitors were patient in their build up play before Antonee Robinson's floated cross looked for Andreas Pereira in the box – with the Brazilian caught by his compatriot Murillo in the middle of the box. Referee Josh Smith initially waved play on until the VAR recommended a review via the pitchside monitor. Once Smith had reversed his decision and, Jimenez had seen off Pereira's protestations to take the penalty himself, the veteran striker stroked his 50th Premier League goal beyond Sels superbly.

Nuno rung the changes with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Jota Silva coming on for Elliott Anderson and Nico Domínguez and a flurry of Forest pressure followed. Bassey produced a brilliant bit of defending to dispossess Elanga inside the area – with that challenge surviving another long VAR assessment – before Hudson-Odoi hammered a drive just over the bar after dangerously darting inside. Jota drilled a drive straight into the hands of Bernd Leno and Yates saw his stoppage-time strike hit his own player.

Fulham held on through eight added minutes but could easily have added a second of their own as both Reiss Nelson and Iwobi drove decisively down the right wing before choosing the wrong option in the final third. Jimenez came close to adding a second before being brought off to rapturous applause from the travelling supporters. The Whites might have dropped a little too deep once Issa Diop replaced Smith Rowe in the closing stages as Silva sought to hold on a slender advantage, but this was a victory for fortitude over fluency. The three points mean that the Cottagers have now matched their strongest ever start to a Premier League season, with eleven points from six games matching the return from 2003/2004 overseen by Chris Coleman.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4-4-2): Sels; Aina, Moreno (Williams 84), Milenkovic, Murillo; Anderson (Jota 57), Ward-Prowse (Sosa 75), Yates, Dominguez (Hudson-Odoi 57); Wood, Awoniyi (Elanga 45). Subs (not used): Miguel, Toffolo, Morato, Boly.

BOOKED: Yates, Murillo.

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tete, A. Robinson, Andersen, Bassey; Lukic (Reed 83), Pereira (Berge 69); Traore (Nelson 69), Iwobi, Smith Rowe (Diop 88); Jimenez (Muniz 83). Subs (not used): Benda, Castagne, Cairney, Nelson.

BOOKED: Tete, Lukic, Leno, Reed.

GOAL: Jimenez (pen 51).

REFEREE: Josh Smith (South Yorkshire).

ATTENDANCE: 30,139.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/09/raul-ruins-forests-unbeaten-start/

[WhiteJC]

Nuno Espirito Santo criticises decision to award Fulham penalty as Forest beaten
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo criticised the referee again after his side's unbeaten Premier League start ended in a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham.

Raul Jimenez converted his 50th English top-flight goal via a controversial penalty after a lengthy VAR check had concluded with referee Josh Smith viewing the pitchside monitor and pointing to the spot.

Fulham's Andreas Pereira had gone down under Murillo's challenge, but Nuno claimed the match officials had got the decision wrong.

Forest were further aggrieved later in the second half when another VAR penalty decision went against them – this time following Fulham defender Calvin Bassey's tackle in the area on substitute Anthony Elanga.

Forest's senior management conveyed after the match that they too were growing increasingly frustrated at the standard of refereeing in the top flight.

Nuno said: "We all want peace and to continue well and don't want to come here to speak about the referees. But it was bad wasn't it?

"Even the one in Fulham's box also – the situation with Bassey and Anthony also.

"They looked, but they don't have the same opinion as we do. Let's just hope for the next one that we are not talking about the referees.

"I try to give referees peace. They are trying to improve, but today was not the best day.

"We don't want to talk about (referees). Nobody wants to talk about it. When we come to the game, we don't think about the referees.

"We just want to compete and play the game and hope the referee gets things right.

"But today he didn't do a good job, so I hope that he improves."

Forest lost for the first time in six league matches this season and were left waiting for their first home league win since April.

Nuno avoided a touchline ban for Saturday's fixture after being sent off for protesting against Morgan Gibbs-White's red card in last week's 2-2 draw at Brighton.

The Portuguese was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association on Tuesday and Forest are understood to have been granted an extension before submitting their observations on his red card and, with the case ongoing, he was able to take his place in the dugout.

Nuno already has a suspended one-match ban hanging over him for criticising match officials after his side's defeat at Everton last season.

Fulham boss Marco Silva felt his side deserved all three points after they extended their unbeaten league run to five matches and climbed up to sixth in the table.

The Portuguese said he had not seen video of the two incidents, but had been told by his staff that Murillo's challenge was a clear penalty.

Silva said: "It's a great three points for us and a great battle. A tight game as we expected. The boys did really well.

"When we had to keep our organisation and show our character in the last minutes, we showed it – from the first minute to be honest.

"The reality is not one chance from Nottingham throughout the game. I believe we commanded much more of the game and controlled the game on the ball."



https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/nuno-espirito-santo-criticises-decision-to-award-fulham-penalty-as-forest-beaten/a1292616803.html

[WhiteJC]

Silva praises persistent Raul
Marco Silva hailed the persistence of matchwinner Raul Jimenez after the Whites' beat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this afternoon.

The Fulham head coach told Match of the Day after the final whistle:

"It's great to see him back at that level again after that bad incident when he was at Wolves. It was tough for him to come back. In an important moment of his career, when he was struggling for goals, we showed the trust in him – and believed in him. He got used to scoring before the incident but we trusted him. From the first moment in this club he showed his hard work and his quality. It's nice to see him score and be decisive for us."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/09/silva-praises-persistent-raul/

[WhiteJC]

Silva savours 'great three points'
Marco Silva was delighted after his Fulham side produced a professional away performance to beat Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this afternoon.

Striker Raul Jimenez scored the game's only goal from a contentious penalty six minutes into the second half and the Fulham boss was pleased with his side's application that saw them hold onto a precious three points to lift them to sixth place in the Premier League table.

Silva told his post-match press conference:

"It's a great three points for us and a great battle. A tight game as we expected. The boys did really well. When we had to keep our organisation and show our character in the last minutes, we showed it – from the first minute to be honest. The reality is [that there was] not one [clear] chance from Nottingham Forest throughout the game. I believe we commanded much more of the game and controlled the game on the ball.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/09/silva-savours-great-three-points/

[WhiteJC]

Nottingham Forest fume over refereeing decisions as Fulham claim valuable away win
Nuno Espirito Santo unhappy with decision to award match-winning penalty converted by Raul Jimenez

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo criticised the referee again after his side's unbeaten Premier League start ended in a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham.

Raul Jimenez converted his 50th English top-flight goal via a controversial penalty after a lengthy VAR check had concluded with referee Josh Smith viewing the pitchside monitor and pointing to the spot.

Fulham's Andreas Pereira had gone down under Murillo's challenge, but Nuno claimed the match officials had got the decision wrong.

Forest were further aggrieved later in the second half when another VAR penalty decision went against them - this time following Fulham defender Calvin Bassey's tackle in the area on substitute Anthony Elanga.

Forest's senior management conveyed after the match that they too were growing increasingly frustrated at the standard of refereeing in the top-flight.

Nuno said: "We all want peace and to continue well and don't want to come here to speak about the referees. But it was bad wasn't it?

"Even the one in Fulham's box also - the situation with Bassey and Anthony also. They looked, but they don't have the same opinion as we do. Let's just hope for the next one that we are not talking about the referees.

"I try to give referees peace. They are trying to improve, but today was not the best day.

"We don't want to talk about (referees). Nobody wants to talk about it. When we come to the game, we don't think about the referees.

"We just want to compete and play the game and hope the referee gets things right. But today he didn't do a good job, so I hope that he improves."

Forest lost for the first time in six league matches this season and were left waiting for their first home league win since April.

Nuno avoided a touchline ban for Saturday's fixture after being sent off for protesting against Morgan Gibbs-White's red card in last week's 2-2 draw at Brighton.

The Portuguese was charged with improper conduct by the Football Association (FA) on Tuesday and Forest are understood to have been granted an extension before submitting their observations on his red card and, with the case ongoing, he was able to take his place in the dugout.

Nuno already has a suspended one-match ban hanging over him for criticising match officials after his side's defeat at Everton last season.

Fulham boss Marco Silva felt his side deserved all three points after they extended their unbeaten league run to five matches and climbed up to sixth in the table.

The Portuguese said he had not seen video of the two incidents, but had been told by his staff that Murillo's challenge was a clear penalty.

Silva said: "It's a great three points for us and a great battle. A tight game as we expected. The boys did really well.

"When we had to keep our organisation and show our character in the last minutes, we showed it - from the first minute to be honest.

"The reality is not one chance from Nottingham throughout the game. I believe we commanded much more of the game and controlled the game on the ball."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/nottingham-forest-fulham-fc-var-nuno-espirito-santo-b1184790.html

[WhiteJC]

'I want to keep scoring,' says Raul
Raul Jimenez wants to keep his red hot scoring streak going after grabbing the winner against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this afternoon.

The Mexican striker stroked home his 50th Premier League goal – and his third of this season – from the penalty spot to extend the Whites' unbeaten run to five league games. Jimenez told FFCTV after the final whistle:

"It's a great feeling. It's the best way for a striker for a striker to finish a game and to get the three points gives us a lot of confidence for what's going ahead.

"I'm happy [to become only the second Mexican to score 50 Premier League goals]. I wanted to reach that mark and I'm happy. I think it is my hundredth goal in Europe, so I'm proud of what I've been doing and achieving. I'm not stopping here and I want more. I've been reading some social media. It's something I was aware of during the week. It's early in the season. I hope I can keep scoring. I want to do more and make my own history.

I have to be confident taking penalties. I've just missed two in my whole career, so I keep shooting in the same way that I started – how I learned when I was in South America. It has been a very good type of shooting for me and I'm going to continue with that. I'm happy to keep scoring, it's now three games in a row and I want to keep going.

We are really confident and really happy with how we are playing. We only lost the first game and I think we deserved more in that but this is football and we have to be getting the results we want. It is not always possible – but we are going to fight every game until the end."



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2024/09/i-want-to-keep-scoring-says-raul/