Monday Fulham Stuff - 24/11/25...

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Results

Sunday 23/11
Leeds	1-2	Villa
Arsenal	4-1	Spurs

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Player Ratings: Fulham 1-0 Sunderland
The feedback is in from a hugely deserved Fulham victory at Craven Cottage...

Fulham earned a well deserved victory and clean sheet on their return to Premier League football after an eventful international break, putting an end to a bad run of Premier League form. On another day where this side is confident and in better form, it may have been four of five zip. Alas, any win to nil with a good performance is enough to put smiles on faces. Keeping this level of performance going forward now is the key.

Bernd Leno

Thought Leno was quite conflicting with how he dealt with the poor weather at the Cottage. Any crosses coming his way he dealt with quite convincingly, but thought hit distribution was poor and his pass completion rate concurs, though of course that matters not a jot compared to the joys of a rare clean sheet. Made two decent saves from Bertrand Traore in the first half, the first from a defensive mix-up arguably his highlight of a fairly comfortable afternoon. 6.5/10

Kenny Tete

Relatively quiet, to be fair. Mostly because Sunderland rarely got the ball to Enzo Le Fee in any sort of space in the first half. When they did, Tete was caught napping from the second half kick-off when a long Roefs pass found Le Fee, who nearly bent a shot inside the post. He also struggled to stop Le Fee creating a chance late on when a Xhaka pass went beyond the Dutchman. Rarely got into many attacking positions either, with the focus on counter attacking and getting Sessegnon further forward on the other wing. 5.5/10

Joachim Andersen

Thought that was his best performance of the season by a mile. I've critiqued Joa for showing a lack of leadership, especially when wearing the armband, but in tricky conditions today he organised the defence well. Everything that came into the box he got rid of, that's what my eyes told me anyway. Then I looked at the stats. His mammoth 13 clearances was seven more than anyone else on the pitch. He was superb in the air against the threat of Isidor too, and even proved a threat at the other end, with one decent effort from a corner and a side-footed strike from distance both ending up wide. 8/10

Calvin Bassey

Despite heartbreak with Nigeria over the break, it feels like those two weeks may have refocused Bassey quite nicely. While not quite as adventurous (bar one shanked shot late on), he looked confident and comfortable in possession, something you can't relate to him in recent weeks. Thought while he also got the better of Isidor with his strength on the ground, there was a couple of times that he got caught with a pass in behind him in the first half, the type of balls that weren't evading Andersen. Still, a better performance. 6.5/10

Ryan Sessegnon

Don't get me wrong, Sess will eventually need a rest and his attacking input can be better utilised further forward, but there has to be conversation about whether or not Robinson comes straight back into the side when he returns. The way he was asked to play almost as a false nine in possession was executed brilliantly and made space for so many around him to make superb runs beyond the Sunderland centre-backs. Put in some fairly decent crosses and nearly won the game himself with a cross-come-shot in the 80th minute. 7.5/10

Sander Berge

Continues to be more of a positive influence in the final third, which was even more impressive today with no Lukic next to him to hold the fort if the Norweigan ventured forward. Had a lovely cross to the back post for Kevin nearly produce a superb assist early in the first half, before a tame effort from range meant he himself forced a save from Roefs. Always looked to push the ball forward in possession, which is all we've been asking for. 7.5/10

Alex Iwobi

Had an early effort go over the bar within the first ten minutes but, to be honest, there was very little in the final third beyond that. He was more important in the middle of the pitch, surely winning more second balls than anyone else out there. From deep, not only did he make as many tackles as any Fulham player, but he also completed a number of balls over the top that set us on the counter. He's so versatile and skilled it's a joke. 7/10

Harry Wilson

You felt that after scoring an impressive hat-trick on the day he captained Wales for the first time, Wilson would be as sharp as anyone in front of goal. Ha. Well, it wasn't for a lack of effort. His in-swinging corners in the wind caused issues and nearly had him scoring directly from one. One strike in the first half narrowly missed the left post after he'd isolated his man one on one. Another was blocked well on the hour mark before Reinlido made a further intervention to deny a good effort after a Lampard-esque timed run into the box. Just not his day in front of goal, but a constant threat on the counter and around the box. 7/10

Josh King

Really had to grow into the game because early on Sunderland put a lot of energy into man-marking him (and who could blame them, he's scoring goals for England U21s and has the most minutes of any 18 year old in the top five European leagues). His first real contribution was a gorgeous backheel to set up a Wilson chance on the half hour mark. Had a diving header go just wide but in general thought his output in the final third was lacking, especially on the counter where too often he failed to release the ball early enough, which probably contributed to why he came off fairly early in the second half. 6/10

Kevin

This is a man that, once he scores one and gets that confidence flowing through him, will absolutely fly. Was clearly our biggest threat on the counter and went through on goal three times and nowhere near enough came of it. The first produced an easy enough save for Roefs, whereas the next two resulted in us losing the ball before we'd even had a touch in the box. His effort from Berge's back post cross was the closest he came but even that wasn't a strike with conviction. Can't fault the effort or the ability to get into good positions and make good runs, just needs better conviction. 6.5/10

Raul Jimenez

Had a couple of early half chances that saw Roefs tested or the ball fly over but then things went quiet. After fitness struggles and a testing international break on his body, you can't blame the evident tiring. But yet again, it's credit to the man that he continued to press high, often alone, make runs, often without service. But then late on, when finally he received a decent cross, he did what all superb strikers do and beat his defender to the ball and get anything on it to give Fulham the win they so richly deserved. 7/10
Substitutes

Samuel Chukwueze

As effective a cameo performance as you could wish to see. He constantly had defenders backtracking as he ran and ran and ran at them from the left side of the attack after he replaced a tiring Kevin. Made an instant impact at the other end, intercepting a dangerous cross within seconds of coming on. Linked with Sess well throughout and every cross he put in looked dangerous. Ultimately, the cross that landed him the assist was the pick of the bunch, a tantalizing finessed ball that could only end up in the net, whether it be another own goal or the eventual outcome from the boot of Raul. Won the game for us with his efforts late on. 9/10 – man of the match

Emile Smith Rowe

ESR did what he's done for most of this season and made a positive impact off the bench. Okay it wasn't as explosive as Chukwueze but Smith Rowe frequently pushed us forward in search of a goal and got into all sorts of good positions around the box. Had one half volley scream wide of the post on 75 minutes and made a few good runs around Sunderland's right side of defence that caused issues. 7/10

Harrison Reed (on his 200th Fulham appearance, which deserves celebrating) and Timothy Castagne came on in the final stages for Iwobi/Wilson, so can't be fairly assessed.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/player-ratings-fulham-1-0-sunderland

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'I suffered heart rhythm problems after signing for Fulham. A combination of my health issues and the team's need for fit players meant Roy Hodgson stopped counting on me' Why Jari Litmanen never played for Fulham
The Finn reunited with his former national team boss at Craven Cottage in 2008

Jari Litmanen achieved more than most of us mere mortals could ever dream of during his 24-year professional career.

He spent the bulk of the 1990s as one of the planet's best attacking midfielders, dazzling with Ajax, where he was key to the club's superlative 1995 Champions League under Louis van Gaal, before enjoying stints at Barcelona and Liverpool, and then returning to Ajax before a somewhat nomadic end to his career.

At the international level, his 137 caps for Finland remain the nation's all-time record, with the only blot on his copybook being Litmanen's injury record in his later years.

Litmanen on his short-lived Fulham spell
It was this poor luck with injuries that saw his spells at Barcelona and Liverpool end prematurely, with his Ajax return also cut short when the club released him from his contract in the spring of 2004.

A brief return to Finland with Lahti followed before he joined German side Hansa Rostock for half a season as the club were relegated from the Bundesliga. Litmanen's next stop was Swedish side, but he would make just 12 appearances in two-and-a-half years due to a number of injuries.

With Litmanen still showing his class when he did play, he was handed a lifeline in January 2008 from his former Finland boss Roy Hodgson, who was now in charge at Fulham. After an initial ten-day trial shortly before his 37th birthday, Litmanen signed with the Cottagers, but he would play just one reserve team match that season before being released.

"I'd had a tough period with injuries," he tells FourFourTwo. "When Hodgson took over at Fulham, I was without a club – he offered me the chance to join and I was excited.

"Unfortunately, soon after signing, I suffered heart rhythm problems that kept me out for weeks, followed by calf and head injuries.

"In the end, a combination of my health issues and the team's need for fit players meant Hodgson stopped counting on me."

Litmanen then returned to his former club Lahti where he was able to turn out more than 50 times over the next three seasons before the club were relegated.

The 40-year-old Litmanen still had one more move in him, as he signed a one-year deal with the reigning Finnish champions HJK, where he would win a league and cup double, while Litmanen was able to become one of a handful of professional footballers to play in four different decades, as his career that began in the 1980s came to a close in 2011.



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/person/player/i-suffered-heart-rhythm-problems-after-signing-for-fulham-a-combination-of-my-health-issues-and-the-teams-need-for-fit-players-meant-roy-hodgson-stopped-counting-on-me-why-jari-litmanen-never-played-for-fulham

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Revealed: When Fulham plan to agree Marco Silva's contract, transfer plan emerges
Fulham hope Marco Silva will put pen to paper on a new contract before the January transfer window opens as they make plans to bolster his squad.

This comes after Football Insider revealed on 21 November that Silva could delay Fulham's contract talks despite positive discussions during the international break.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, a three-year-deal has been offered to Silva, and there is hope that he will agree terms as soon as possible so they can turn their attention towards the transfer market.

Silva was left frustrated at Fulham after what was a disappointing summer window, leading to the initial suggestions that he could leave Craven Cottage.

After Fulham beat Sunderland 1-0 last time out, there is renewed optimism that they can push up the table after a poor start, and a busy January would help them do so.

Fulham pushing to agree Marco Silva deal this year
Football Insider revealed on 16 November that Fulham are pushing for Silva to sign a new deal as soon as possible to end any speculation about his future.

Then, they are aiming to back him in the mid-season window, as they hope to build their transfer strategy around the boss' plan for their long-term future.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: "A three-year deal is on the table and there is confidence within the Fulham camp that Silva will pledge his future to the club.

"Silva could walk away on a free and obviously nobody at Fulham wants that to happen, they want to keep hold of Marco Silva in the long term.

"Fulham don't want this dragging on into the new year.

"They'd rather get it done so they know where everyone stands and then Fulham can build ahead and look forward to the next two transfer windows.

"With the manager's future tied up, they hope that then they can build on that."

Fulham consider Brendan Rodgers as Silva alternative
Despite optimism at Craven Cottage that Silva will commit to an extended contract, contingency plans are being put in place in case he opts to walk away.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 18 November that Fulham will sound out Brendan Rodgers over the role with fresh suggestions their current boss could walk away.

Rodgers resigned as manager of Celtic in October in his second spell at the club, and is believed to be keen on making a quick return to top-level football.

Football Insider revealed on 21 November that Rodgers is in contention for a Premier League return with a number of clubs interested in his availability.

Fulham are among those considering the former Liverpool boss in case Silva walks away, although their priority as things stand is to agree an extension for their manager.



https://www.footballinsider247.com/revealed-when-fulham-plan-to-agree-marco-silvas-contract-transfer-plan-emerges/

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Jack and Loz at the Cottage - Blog 321
Date: 22nd November 2025
Opposition: Sunderland
Score: 1-0
Goal scorer: Raúl Jimenez
Weather: cold and very wet
Atmosphere: hopeful and very supportive
Man of the Match: in a victory crafted from teamwork, togetherness and collective effort on and off the pitch, it feels a little unjust to single anyone out, but Sander Berge didn't put a large foot wrong all match. He was a big reason why Sunderland's normally lethal attack was neutralised and with a well-saved shot of his own and some dangerous balls forward he gave their defence a lot to think about. This was arguably Sander's best game in a Fulham shirt and this is the player we want to see week in, week out
Moment of the Match: Marco Silva's subs strategy is usually one of two things: brilliant or puzzling. On Saturday, it was the former with the introduction of Emile Smith Rowe and Samuel Chukwueze in the 64th minute, changing the game. More on them later
Post-match celebratory drinks: the Riverside
Post-match celebratory dinner: Pad Thai Story
Post-match celebratory night cap: The Craft Beer Co

What a difference an international break can make.

Fulham's last match against Everton was universally accepted to be our worst performance of the season; a display so poor that it triggered rumours of sackings in the sports news and scaremongering about relegation on social media. As the man at the centre of the storm spent part of the Everton match with his head in his hands, some of the speculation was understandable. The more Marco said his contract situation wasn't a distraction, the more distracting it became.

But in the two weeks since that dispiriting trip to Merseyside, a lot has happened. Raúl Jimenez clocked up his air miles with another successful trip to Mexico, Josh King scored his first goal in an England shirt, Sander Berge helped Norway qualify for the World Cup, and Harry Wilson became the best footballer in the world. Meanwhile, Marco recovered his usual positive energy and his infectious passion, spoke about his good relationship with the board and told everyone not to worry. Of course, there's a long way between everyone being on the same page and everyone signing on the same page, but the indications are very promising.

And, judging by the way they played on Saturday, no one feels that more than the players.

Sunderland have been the surprise package of the league so far. But there was a time in Fulham's first season back in the Premier League when we too were flying very high. It's a big achievement, but not usually one that lasts. So we knew to respect them but not fear them. They arrived dressed, appropriately, as 10 Black Cats and one ****** one and settled quickly into the game.

Much has been made of Sunderland's midfield, led by veteran Granit Xhaka. But in a battle of Granit v granite, our Norwegian monolith won. Fulham's midfield has looked shaky at times this season and clueless at others but Marco has finally found the right combination. With Alex Iwobi floating artfully around and Josh King popping up everywhere, Sander was able to not just win the ball, but to take it forwards. He was creating chances; at times, he led the press.

This meant that while the Black Cats ran around a lot, they didn't seriously threaten Leno's goal, despite some nervy Moments playing out from the back. Meanwhile, the ****** tom was kept busy by some inspired attacking moves. Unfortunately, these ended with some wild and wasteful finishing with Harry, Kevin (twice), Sander and Andersen all missing decent chances in the first half.

Fulham were Sunder the weather at the start of the second half but we survived the storm and soon shots were pouring onto the Sunderland goal as heavily as the rain. But we've been here before. After Harry wasted a slide-rule delivery from Sess, the Hammy End started to wonder: was it going to be One of Those Games?

Substitutes who change the game from the bench are often more of a concept than a reality. But the introduction of ESR and Chukwueze was proof that the theory can work. Samuel will justifiably get most of the plaudits - he's so tricky and dynamic that he's too much for a tiring defence to handle.

But this match felt like a milestone in Emile's Fulham career. The man who strode onto the pitch wasn't the skilful but bashful player who arrived at the Club weighed down with expectations and a potential he couldn't fulfil. This was a confident, mature midfielder taking his place at the centre of the stage. This is the player that Emile is meant to be. His presence on the pitch was more than instrumental; it was reassuring.

So Fulham changed up a gear and the shots kept coming. Sunderland defended ever more desperately but the clock was running down and we couldn't find a breakthrough. Emile missed once, Sess missed twice, the Hammy End were on their feet willing the ball into the net.

Then Chukwueze, who'd already danced his way into the box a few times and seems programmed to never stop attacking, received the ball on the left wing and played an absolutely perfect cross. Not only did it swerve around the retreating defenders but it had just a touch of backspin so it curled back towards Raúl rather than forward to the goalie.

Raúl meanwhile, now Fulham's lone senior (in more ways than one) striker had been battling all game with Sunderland's massive and unwieldy centre back and had run himself into the ground. But his striker's skill and, as Marco later described it, his killer instinct overcame his exhaustion. He threw himself into one last scrap with the defender and managed to not just beat him to the ball but to turn a difficult contact into an unstoppable shot.

The Fulham subs raced onto the pitch to join in the celebrations and the crowd was ecstatic. It wasn't going to be One of Those Games! Doubts may have crept in for the fans but the players kept believing and fought to the end.

After the goal, the result was never in doubt. Marco sent Harrison Reed on to energise the midfield and later reached behind him, grabbed the first player he found, realised it was Timothy Castagne and flung him on the pitch in some unknown position. Meanwhile, the ref, who'd had a good game up to that point, suddenly lost the plot and stared giving everyone yellow cards.

But it didn't matter. The game was won. We had turned a dominant performance into a victory. Sunderland had been good, but Fulham were better in every department. More importantly, the team didn't give up, they believed in the manager, in the system and in themselves. This looks like a small win, but in fact it was a big one.

Random musings:-

- The subs were so well wrapped up we couldn't tell who was who when they were warming up

- One of the Sunderland players was wearing a wetsuit under his kit

- Who played the pass to Chukwueze that led to the goal? Sander Berge of course

- That was Sess's 100th Premier League game. Some of them were for Spurs but he won't be playing for any other club ever again

- Wot no clappers???

- The BSL interpreter is a good addition

- Another clean sheet is testament not just to Leno but to the very hard working defence

- Whilst Kevin kept Sunderland busy with his mesmerising footwork and scooped crosses, a lot of his best work was in defence. At one point, though, he seemed to be playing centre back, until Joa sent him on his way

- There was some sort of touchline fracas at the final whistle

- It was fantastic to see Brian McBride receive his Forever Fulham award at half time and even better listening to him chat with Ivan in the Riverside. He relived staying up at Portsmouth and explained the difficult technique Raúl used to score. He looked emotional as the crowd chanted his name and spent the whole interview referring to Fulham as "us". What an absolute legend.

The players' impromptu lap of appreciation (led by Sess) summed up how we were all feeling after that match. Happiness with a touch of relief, anticipation tinged with excitement and satisfaction laced with hope.

Fulham works best when players, manager, fans and owners are all together as one. It feels like we might be nearly there.



https://werdsmith.com/p/z63qx8k4xP6BGH

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Bristol Rovers 1-3 Fulham

Fulham progressed to the Third Round of the Women's FA Cup with a comprehensive 3-1 win at Bristol Rovers.

The damage was done in a thoroughly professional first-half display, in which the Whites scored three goals.

An Ellie Olds crossed forced the first, and she added a soon after, while an own goal rounded off a sensational first-half performance.

Meg Jarvis offered a reply quickly after the restart, but Frankie Gibbs was relatively untroubled for the rest of the afternoon in Bristol.

It was a dream start for Steve Jaye's side, who piled on the pressure from the first whistle.

And it didn't take long for that pressure to pay off as Olds' cross from the right was diverted into the net by a Bristol Rovers defender.

Only a heroic block from Layah Douglas prevented the lead from being doubled shortly after. Kayleigh Stead selflessly pulled the ball back for Katie Dungate after demonstrating quick feet to dance into the box, but Douglas threw herself in front of the shot.

While Olds may have somewhat controversially claimed the opener, there was no doubting that the second goal was indeed hers. Latching onto Stead's flash across goal, Olds took one touch to steady herself before arrowing a strike into the bottom corner.

A third could have been added before the break as Leeta Rutherford was allowed in all sorts of space from a deep Lily Stevens corner, but the defender couldn't keep her shot down.

But goal number three did arrive just seconds before the half-time whistle. Jade Bradley's whipped cross was sliced by a Rovers defender and ended up in the net.

Rovers soon ate into that advantage as Meg Jarvis slotted calmly past Gibbs just minutes into the second period.

Jarvis was through on goal again she crept in behind Rutherford, although the recovering Taomë Oliver did just enough to put off the Rovers striker, as a weak shot trickled towards Gibbs.

There was a huge opportunity to kill the contest 10 minutes from time. A devastating counter-attack involving Olivia Dale, Stella Gandee Morgan and Madi Parsonson was well executed, with the ball eventually finding Stead in acres of space, but her effort was blocked after taking too much time to pick a spot.

In truth, Stead deserved a goal for a lively performance up top for Fulham. It just wouldn't fall for the forward though, who struck narrowly over the crossbar from the edge of the box.

There was nearly a screamer to end the afternoon as Gandee Morgan unleashed from range with Ella Stowell off her line, but the goalkeeper recovered to make a diving stop.

Jaye's side are next in action on Sunday 30th November against London Bees, 2pm kick-off at Motspur Park.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/november/23/bristol-rovers-1-3-fulham/

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Tottenham suffer below after key senior player is ruled out of Fulham match
Tottenham Hotspur are set for another difficult week as Thomas Frank prepares for Fulham without a key senior figure.

Tottenham Hotspur suffered their first defeat on the road this season at the Emirates Stadium following Arsenal's impressive display, and it was a performance that left more questions than answers for Thomas Frank.

Four goals were put past Guglielmo Vicario on Sunday evening, which is the most he has conceded away from home this season after having let in just three across five matches on the road.

Frank's side were all over the place against their bitter rivals, as not even his back five was enough to keep Mikel Arteta's men quiet.

Cristian Romero suspended for Tottenham vs Fulham
Thomas Frank will be hoping his side can move on quickly from this defeat as they look to pick themselves up in their next games, but the Dane is now set to be without a key player in his next league outing.

Cristian Romero picked up a booking in the clash against Arsenal, taking his tally to five for the season, and as such, he is set to miss the next league fixture against Fulham.

Players who pick up five bookings in their club's first 19 in the Premier League are subject to a single-game ban, and Romero has reached that threshold after just 12 gameweeks.

The Argentine, who captained Frank's side on the night, could do little to prevent the Gunners from running riot as the new boss suffered his heaviest defeat as manager of Tottenham.

Spurs prepare for Champions League test
Before the next league encounter, however, there is a Champions League tie on Wednesday night.

Tottenham will face the champions of Europe, PSG in matchday five of the league phase of the Champions League, as they aim to secure a spot in the automatic qualification places.

This presents yet another stern test for Frank, who is getting no respite as games continue to come thick and fast.

Romero's suspension, however, does not affect the Champions League, and the Argentine should be available here before he misses out at the weekend.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/cristian-romero-to-miss-tottenham-vs-fulham/