Thursday Fulham Stuff - 04/12/25...

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Results

Wednesday 03/12
Arsenal	2-0	Brentford
Brighton	3-4	Villa
Burnley	0-1	Palace
Wolves	0-1	Forest
Leeds	3-1	Chelsea
Liverpool	1-1	Sunderland

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"Nothing to show for it" – Iwobi left deflated following Manchester City's 5-4 win over Fulham
Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi was left disappointed after his side's 5-4 loss to Manchester City in front of their fans, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Cottagers secured consecutive wins for the first time this season against Tottenham Hotspur, heading into the clash against Pep Guardiola's side.

However, in the 55th minute, City were 5-1 up, and it looked like the game was going to end in an abyss for Marco Silva's men.

Not on Iwobi's watch, though. The former Arsenal man reduced the deficit in the 57th minute, curling a low shot beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Iwobi's national teammate, Samuel Chukwueze, had created two goals in two games heading into last night's clash, but took it upon himself to drag Fulham into the clash.

The AC Milan loanee came off the bench to bag a brace as the three-time EFL Championship winners pressed on for a win.

Iwobi reflects on Fulham's loss to Manchester City
In his post-match press conference, the former Everton midfielder mentioned he had a bittersweet feeling.

Delight for the team showing good spirit to reduce a three-goal deficit in the second half, but a loss is still a loss, no matter how many times the ball goes into the back of the net.

    "I feel disappointed because we didn't get anything out of the fighting spirit that we showed, but I think we have to take the positivity from the game," the 29-year-old said as revealed by Fulham's official website.

    "We showed that fighting spirit in the second half, but unfortunately, there's nothing to show for it.

    "The manager spoke to us at halftime, saying one thing that we can't let our heads drop, no matter what happened and also do it for the fans.

    "And to be fair, they were with us till the last minute of the game, so we put on a show for the people watching, but it wasn't the result we wanted.

From kick-off till the end of the 90, the Craven Cottage was bouncing with chants, and it played a part in the players' energy levels.

    "We fed off the fans, it was as if we had a 12th member on the pitch, that sort of feeling. They gave us the energy to attack," Iwobi continued.

    "Credit to them, but then credit to us too for that second half, and to everyone involved for enabling us to push until the last minute of the game.

    "It wasn't that bad [my goal and finish], it's something I work with in training with a particular coach [Colin Omogbehin].

    "We work a lot in training, so credit to him and credit to me for pulling it off in the game.

Iwobi plays up Chukwueze's impact
Erling Haaland scored his 100th Premier League goal, but it was Samuel Chukwueze who made the headlines, and Iwobi urged his countryman to recreate such performances consistently.

    "I mean, his nickname at the training ground is Chukwu-magic, and you can see when he's in training, he pulls off some crazy stuff.

    "Most importantly, he's doing it on the pitch and adding that end product by scoring goals. Of course, we need everyone, but he's one player we should keep an eye on.

    "I like to just feed him the ball because I know he's going to create something, and the fans will take it to him, so, as long as he keeps his head down and stays consistent, we'll always back him.

Marco Silva's side welcome FA Cup champions Crystal Palace to Craven Cottage for a second-tier London derby.

    "Of course, we'll look at what we need to work on. We'll analyse ourselves and also analyse Palace.

    "It's another game and another opportunity to play right, so, hopefully, we get something against them," Iwobi concluded.

Palace are currently 10th on the Premier League table, three points above Fulham who are five places lower.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/12/iwobi-manchester-city-fulham.html

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Pep Guardiola admits he was 'concerned' at Craven Cottage
The Spaniard got another scare in the dugout.

Pep Guardiola gave his thoughts on a helter-skelter 5-4 victory for Man City against Fulham.

Erling Haaland got the scoring started for the Citizens, completing a record breaking century of goals in the Premier League after only 113 games in the competition. Tijjani Reijnders doubled the lead, Phil Foden filled his boots with a second brace in as many matches for the side, and City were 5-1 to the good at the start of the second half. It seemed that they were strolling towards three points.

But the Cottagers refused to give up easily. Alex Iwobi cut the deficit down in the 57th minute, a brace from Samuel Chukwueze left the sides separated by a single strike, and Josh King could have equalised in injury time of the second half if a chipped effort went over the line. It is the second time that the Citizens have sloppily sacrificed a healthy advantage, having narrowly beaten Leeds United 3-2 on the weekend, but Guardiola was able to look at the bright side of things with victory in the bag.

"I'm so old, and the players don't respect me! They don't have to treat their manager in that way.

"It only happens in this league. We played a fantastic game... There was some really positive things in what we have done. To come here, to score five goals, and the way we played in that first half.

"In the end it was a question of character, resilience and defence. They did what they had to do."

"Of course I was concerned. But this will help us in future games. Every game is a new team for some players. You have to make a process to start to correct.

"It's incredible, impressive. Erling was outstanding, today he was unbelievable. He made a fantastic goal. Hopefully he's starving hungry to continue with this club to make more and more goals."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/12/02/manchester-city/1243433-pep-guardiola-admits-he-was-concerned-at-craven-cottage.html

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"I'm finding myself" – What Chukwueze said after scoring brace in Fulham's dramatic 5-4 loss to Manchester City
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has reflected on Fulham's thrilling but painful 5-4 defeat to Manchester City at Craven Cottage, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria international insist the Cottagers will give everything when they return to action against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Chukwueze scored twice and Alex Iwobi added another, but Fulham's late fightback fell short as the Cityzens held on for all three points.

Match Highlight: Chukwueze and Iwobi Shine in 9-Goal Thriller
Fulham came into the clash full of confidence after beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 last weekend, but Marco Silva's men found themselves 3-0 down by the 44th minute following goals from Erling Haaland, Tijjani Reijnders and Phil Foden.

Emile Smith Rowe pulled one back before the break, and Silva introduced Chukwueze at halftime, which swung momentum back in Fulham's favour.

City struck twice early in the second period—Haaland adding another and Sander Berge scoring an own goal—to make it 5-1.

But Fulham roared back, with Iwobi curling home a neat finish before Chukwueze delivered two superb goals within six minutes to drag the Cottagers to 5-4.

Despite a frenetic ending, Fulham could not complete the comeback.

Chukwueze Reflects on Chaotic Clash

    "It was a crazy game today," Chukwueze said via the club website after the match. "We conceded goals we shouldn't have conceded, but I liked the spirit of the team for the comeback."

He stressed that the second-half performance showed resilience.

    "The chances we created in the second half were almost there. It was a difficult one to take because we wanted three wins in a row and it didn't happen, but we'll keep our heads up.
    We fought until the last minute and on Sunday (against Crystal Palace) we're going to give everything for the fans."

Was a Comeback Possible For Fulham?

Chukwueze praised the unity of the team and supporters during the dramatic fightback.

    "For me, I always believe. If we don't believe, we won't score. Everybody believed that we could come back – the team, the coach and the fans.

    "The fans were amazing – supportive from 5-1 to 5-4. We gave everything and I think we need to lift our heads up and say we fought well. We have to move on."

Chukwueze on Scoring Twice
The Super Eagles star admitted that his brace felt hollow due to the defeat.

    "For me, it's a good feeling to score two goals but not a good feeling to lose. If I had scored my two goals and we won, it would have meant a lot to me – but for now, it doesn't mean a lot."

Chukwueze Credits Marco Silva and Teammates
Speaking further, the AC Milan-owned forward also touched on the confidence Silva and his teammates have given him.

    "I think I'm finding myself. The coach believes in me. That's the most important thing – a coach that believes in you, pushes you and the fans. My teammates push me a lot, so I have to give them credit and the coach credit as well."

Silva's men will travel to South London to face Crystal Palace on Sunday, and Chukwueze, along with his Nigerian teammates, will be hoping to secure all three points as consolation for their defeat to Manchester City.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/12/chukwueze-fulham-loss-manchester-city.html

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Player Ratings: Fulham 4-5 Manchester City
Our assessment of a completely bonkers nine-goal thriller at the Cottage.

Fulham nearly pulled off one of English football's greatest ever comebacks against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, after a dismal first 50 minutes of football left the Whites 5-1 down thanks to an absurdly negative set-up from Marco Silva who, not for the first time against Pep, paid him and his side a silly amount of respect. Ultimately, Fulham just fell short despite the best efforts of Chuk and co. Here we go then...

Bernd Leno

Yeah - it probably goes without saying in a game where we conceded five, but thought there was a lot of errors here. I've long worried about Leno's distribution but it looked particularly poor here, including in added time as we pushed for a fifth, throwing it directly to Cherki at one point. Considering how well he punched versus Tottenham, his weak attempt that fell back to Foden and left him in a poor position in the goal was bad goalkeeping for City's third. The fourth, Foden's second, should never be allowed to go in considering Foden is forced wide and Leno gets out to him, but he just doesn't close the angle appropriately. 3.5/10

Kenny Tete

I jut hope he didn't come off at half time because of a knock; it's never good when he's in and out of a team, especially with the drop in quality to Castagne (more on that later). Maybe could have been more proactive in defending City's second as Reijnders ran through, but that's as far as I could critique Tete in a fairly difficult first half for everyone involved. 6/10

Joachim Andersen

Defensively and from a leadership perspective I've given Joa nothing but praise in recent weeks - not today. He should never be stepping up for the second goal; it caused massive uncertainty in the middle of our defence. The ball literally goes through him as if he doesn't exist for the fourth, too. The lack of coherence and organisation from him in key moments was disastrous. Definitely did his best to get us back in the game. 105 passes from anyone in a game is absurd, and some of his long balls to the wings to get us on the attack in the last half hour were crucial. However, those negatives from a defensive perspective can't be ignored. 5/10

Calvin Bassey

Like Tete, despite us conceding five, I don't think there's too much blame to be individually apportioned to Calvin. Maybe he could do better for the second as Reijnders went through, but the issue comes from Andersen stepping out irresponsibly. At points I was delighted to see the proactive, positive Bassey back. He had moments of aggressively intercepting near the halfway line and running beyond the midfield afterwards. Really good to see. 6.5/10

Ryan Sessegnon

Was a bit disappointed with Sess's defending for Man City's opener in the way he's caught ball-watching and completely misses the fact the world's best goalscorer is behind him ready to pounce. Bar that, thought he matched City's right side quite well, always looking to pin them back. Did his fair share in the final stages to try and get in areas to help us create an equaliser, but never quite got the ball in the right spaces to be effective. 6/10

Sander Berge

Obviously a lot of it could have been down to the set-up, but it felt quite depressing to see Berge revert to the mean in this one. He was completely ineffective in transitioning the game in our favour, whether it be from failing to win the ball from City's defensive players or choosing to play backwards passes time after time. Even in the second half when we were all over them, he slowed down play far too often. He will be lucky to get away with the fifth not being put down as his own goal, too. 4/10

Sasa Lukic

Had Lukic continued playing at that level for the second half, it may have been my first ever score below a one. Marco was completely right to hook him at half time and had he taken him off 20 minutes earlier it would have been justified. Every touch or pass when in a decent area were terrible. Every set piece or tackle attempt was beyond feeble. One of the worst individual halves I've seen, and weirdly from a completely competent footballer - he's no Mark Fotheringham. Even this score feels generous. 2/10

Harry Wilson

I thought he did superbly off the ball, having to track back an absurd amount to cover the lack of transitional efforts from our famously amazing double pivot. Put in an amazing cross on his weaker foot to set up Smith Rowe for our first goal and constantly look to put threating balls in. Lacked a bit of pace on the counter but still posed a threat throughout. 6.5/10

Emile Smith Rowe

Another really positive showing and a goal to show for it. His looping header across Donnarumma was a superb, inventive piece of attacking play that shows another string to his bow. Had previously had a cracking low effort saved fantastically by Donnarumma, which would have got the game back to 1-1. Never stopped pressing City's centre backs with intensity and probably earned his place in the XI this weekend against Palace. 7.5/10

Alex Iwobi

Iwobi was the man who created said chance for ESR early on with a beautiful pass, which summed up his efforts at that stage of the game. While, like Wilson, he didn't really look to take the game to City with any pace, he did look like the one man in our side able to play a defence-splitting pass that would cause City real issues. Despite a wonderful finish to kick-start our second-half resurgence, he faded in the middle. It's really hard to judge where his best position is from week to week. 7/10

Raul Jimenez

In that first half an hour or so where Fulham showed little to no positivity, it was only really Raul who was looking to play the ball forward or take the game to City's defenders in a physical manner. Despite looking knackered, as he often does, he never gave up and had a couple of decent half chances fall his way as Fulham started taking the game to their opposition. One forced a block from Nico Gonzalez while another from close range got a save out of Donnarumma. 6/10

Substitutes

Samuel Chukwueze

Don't cha wish ya winger was Chukwueze? (Future Sugababes-inspired this'll catch on - watch this space). Well I wish he was ours - permanently. The boy is magic and this cameo was extraordinary as he replaced Lukic at the interval. His goalscoring duck was broken - and emphatically. Both finishes on the half-volley from rebounds were hit with accuracy, power and control, and found alternative corners to bring Fulham from consolation territory to 4-5 and back in the game. Every dribble moved City's defence sideways and backwards from both sides of the pitch. We have to pay the fee and give Milan a little extra as a thank you for showing us a truly special player. I love him. 9.5/10 – man of the match.

Timothy Castagne

He genuinely might've managed a worse 45 than Lukic, he was that bad. The drop-off from Tete in that position when Castagne isn't on it is utterly terrifying. Tete is one of the best one v one defenders about. Then, for the first 10 minutes of the second half, Castagne backtracks every time anyone comes near him rather than engaging them in a battle. City's fourth and fifth goals come from that exact scenario. Then, as we go into the ascendency, Castagne misplaces every pass and touch in the final third. There's a 'consistent' player there sometimes, and he showed that especially at Leicester, but goodness me, I need to see it more often, especially if Tete has a knock. This showing was completely abhorrent. 2/10

Josh King

Replaced ESR and did well drifting across the front three positions on and off the ball to keep pushing Fulham on and pressuring the City defence into resorting to long balls or mistakes. Had his first Premier League goal at the Cottage been to make it 5-5 against City, I'm not sure the pool would've stayed attached to the top of the Riverside, alas, it will remain one of the biggest 'what if's' in Fulham folklore. 6.5/10

Jonah Kusi-Asare

This was the cameo that made a lot of us see the potential in the boy from Bayern. He pressed with such an intensity that meant he constantly got touches on their centre-backs' passes and caused complete panic. Competed really well in the air, even more so than Rau,l who he replaced, and held the ball up nicely in tight spaces. Could've even won a penalty at 4-5, getting his body ahead of O'Reilly well and earning contact from City's left-back. 7/10

Kevin

I wouldn't normally compliment someone coming on as late as Kevin did when he replaced Wilson with nine minutes remaining of normal time, but his impact is worth talking about. At first he looked a bit timid against his full-back, but the moment he got to the byline for the first time he started to thrive and time after time he stayed wide, received a long ball and beat his man. His ball across the box in the 96th minutewas begging for a recipient and his pass to King was so close to earning a point. So much promise once more from our record signing. 7/10

Marco Silva

I fear a lot of the narrative will be positive from the comeback we made and so nearly executed, but praise for that must go to the players, not the management. All that did was prove that we have talent far beyond the negativity Silva so often resorts to.

Going back to the double pivot of Berge and Lukic, which hardly ever works, could maybe have been justified because of the opponent, but tht was quickly proven to be terrible management as the two midfielders provided no defensive solidarity or creativity going the other way. It forced attackers to come back deep to support so when we tried playing on the counter, those names were coming from deep and as they aren't Chuk, Kev or Adama, didn't have the pace to get on beyond Raul to make the most of rare opportunities.

All you had to do was look at Leeds at the weekend in the second half to see that City don't want to be got at, but stubborn Silva reverted to his negative mindset, which meant that, until the players decided to show some professional pride, we were an absolute embarrassment in all aspects of the game. After three wins in four and building momentum (which may still exist with the nature of this game), to see that thrown away to go back to a failing system is poor, naïve management of a talented squad which deserve more faith in their abilities from their manager in the way they are set up. The only credit Marco gets is for making the changes at half time rather than waiting for longer. 2.5/10



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/player-ratings-fulham-4-5-manchester

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CM: Chukwueze stars for Fulham with brace vs. Man City but Milan ambitions remain
Fulham fans are beginning to fall in love with Samuel Chukwueze, if they haven't already, and this could be great news for AC Milan.

Calciomercato.com write how Chukwueze is 'on fire' at the moment. After providing two assists in the previous two Premier League games against Sunderland and Tottenham, the winger went up another level on Tuesday night.

Chukwueze scored a brace against Manchester City, to help drag his team back into it having been 5-1 down at one point. The game ended 5-4 to Pep Guardiola's side, but many are saying that the Nigerian changed the game.

Coming off the bench at the start of the second half, Samu replaced former Torino player Sasa Lukic with Manchester City leading 3-1 (Tijjani Reijnders had scored for them). After witnessing the exploits of Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden, he decided to literally steal the show.

In the space of six minutes, Chukwueze collected two short clearances from the City defence to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma with a couple of very accurate and very powerful finishes. He has only one league start so far, but that will surely increase after recent performances.

Having arrived at Milan in the summer of 2023 for €19.5m plus €8.5m in bonuses from Villarreal, Chukwueze played a total of 70 games for the Rossoneri (with eight goals and six assists). He never really made a significant impact or got consistent use, mostly due to Christian Pulisic's form.

In the final days of the 2025 summer transfer window, the 26-year-old joined Fulham on loan with an option to buy set just under €30m. No decision has been made by the London club or by the player, who is under contract with Milan until 2028 and hasn't completely ruled out the possibility of a return.



https://sempremilan.com/chukwueze-stars-fulham-manchester-city-milan

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Former Fulham star believes Silva will leave
Danny Murphy believes Marco Silva is coming to the end of his time as Fulham boss.

Silva has made a huge impact at Craven Cottage since taking over in 2021, taking Fulham back to the Premier League and re-establishing the club in the top flight.

His contract expires at the end of the season and there has been speculation about his future, fuelled by the Portuguese making his frustration with the lack of transfer activity clear.

Fulham are keen for him to sign a new contract, but former England midfielder Murphy, who made 169 league appearances during a five-year spell with the Whites, said on Talksport: "If he was going to sign a new deal I think he would have done so."

Asked if he felt Silva would move on, Murphy said: "Yes, I think so," adding that Silva "hasn't been backed" in the transfer market.

Silva has been linked with other clubs – and was approached about a job in Saudi Arabia – but stayed put.

He recently stated that there have been behind-the-scenes disagreements, but insisted he and the Fulham hierarchy are "on the same page" and that he is committed to the club.

"I'm an ambitious manager, definitely. I want always the best for the football club," Silva said.

"Standing still is not part of my talks, never, and I always want more. Sometimes that is possible and sometimes not possible, but I can guarantee to you that we have been always on the same page.

"Of course someone that is in charge of the club has to take financial decisions that are not for me, and myself as a manager.

"From my side I think I've given enough signs that I'm not looking always to leave the football club, because as you know I had some chances in the past."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/former-fulham-star-believes-silva-will-leave

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Eric Chelle suffers AFCON setback after Marco Silva reveals plans for Bassey, Chukwueze, and Iwobi
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has suffered a setback in his plans for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as Fulham coach Marco Silva has revealed Samuel Chukwueze will remain with his club for nearly two more weeks, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to kick off in just about 18 days, and most of the talk has been around the participating countries releasing their squad lists for the competition.

A major issue of concern, however, has been the release date for the players based in Europe. Most of the top African countries have their best players featuring in Europe.

Some of these leagues, especially the Premier League, will still be ongoing for the entire duration of the 2025 AFCON.

Usually, FIFA favors the countries for international competitions like the AFCON, stipulating that players can join their national teams up to two weeks before the tournament.

However, countries, clubs, and players have often found a middle ground because of how badly early release affects clubs, some of whom lose their key players or even more than half of their starting elevens.

For example, at the last AFCON, Cameroonian goalkeeper André Onana arrived in camp on the eve of their first game because he wanted to play for Manchester United.

FIFA's U-Turn on Players Release Date For AFCON 2025
But on Tuesday, news broke that FIFA had informed clubs that they could keep their players until December 15, barely six days before the start of the 2025 AFCON.

It is unconfirmed whether this rule applies only to the Premier League clubs or cuts across all European leagues.

Most clubs will likely take advantage of this new update, especially as this period is a critical point in the season.

Super Eagles: Eric Chelle To Take A Big Hit
Nigeria will likely be hit hard, as most Super Eagles players ply their trade in Europe, with at least nine playing in the Premier League.

Fulham alone have three Super Eagles regulars: Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey, and all three of them are important for the club.

Iwobi and Chukwueze both scored in their recent 5-4 loss to Manchester City on Tuesday, and coach Marco Silva spoke about the latter after the game. And he mentioned that Chukwueze would still be with the team for the next 15 days.

    "Chukwueze is showing his quality. We will lose him in 15 days time," Silva said, per Jack Kelly.

This confirmation from coach Silva, and the new late FIFA release date, means that coach Chelle will have very little time with his full squad before the tournament begins.

Recall that a 55-man provisional list for the 2025 AFCON was released on Tuesday. That list is expected to be trimmed down to 28 players in the coming days.

Nonetheless, it is clear that a good number of the invited players will not be in camp before the 15th of December.



https://soccernet.ng/2025/12/eric-chelle-afcon-silva-chukwueze-iwobi.html

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'Already an idol' – Fulham 'increasingly convinced' about transfer
Samuel Chukwueze has been on fire for Fulham over the past few weeks.

He scored a brace against Manchester City on Tuesday and this came after an assist each against Sunderland and Tottenham.

The AC Milan loanee is a much more regular part of the first-team than he was earlier in the campaign.

It now looks quite likely that Fulham will sign the Nigerian permanently.

Sportmediaset report that the London club are 'increasingly convinced' about exercising their option to buy the winger for €30m.

Fulham are said to be pleased with how he has performed, with the player 'already an idol' at Craven Cottage this season.

Hope is now rising at Milan because Chukwueze's sale will give the Rossoneri funds to bolster their squad.

The Nigeria international had failed to make a mark in his two seasons at the San Siro, having joined from Villarreal in 2023.

Marco Silva's had also tried to sign the 26-year-old last January. There was very little time left to execute the deal back then. Now, everything shows that Fulham's plan for the playing is working out well. The player's career is also back on track.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/already-an-idol-fulham-increasingly-convinced-about-transfer/

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Sources reveal Samuel Chukwueze stance on permanent Fulham deal as Marco Silva influence laid bare
Samuel Chukwueze is enjoying life at Fulham under Marco Silva and is keen to make his stay at Craven Cottage permanent, sources have told TEAMtalk, as the winger's comments about the Craven Cottage faithful and his manager shed further light on his stance.

Chukwueze joined Fulham on a season-long loan deal from AC Milan in the summer of 2025, with the Cottagers having the option to make it permanent at the end of the season. The 26-year-old Nigeria international striker endured a difficult time at Milan, scoring just eight goals and registering only six assists in 70 appearances for the Rossoneri.

The winger, who has earned 51 caps for Nigeria, has done well for Fulham in the limited playing time that he has been given so far this season, scoring two goals and giving three assists in eight matches in all competitions for the Cottagers.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Fulham manager Marco Silva has given Chukwueze a new lease of life, with the Milan-owner winger keen on extending his stay at Craven Cottage.

Silva has eased Chukwueze into Premier League football, and after making his full debut against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, he backed it up with two second-half goals as a substitute against Manchester City on Tuesday.

Figures close to the situation have told TEAMtalk that the Nigeria international says he is personally thriving under Silva's guidance and hopes his loan move will eventually turn into a longer-term deal.

There is potential for that to happen, but uncertainty still remains over Silva's own future.

Fulham want Silva to sign a new contract, yet the manager has asked for further signings and stronger backing before committing.

Insiders say a deal running until 2029 has been offered, and there is fresh optimism that talks ahead of January could lead to a breakthrough.

Silva's man-management has been central to his success at Fulham, alongside his tactical approach.

The 48-year-old's work with Chukwueze is the latest example of how he can rebuild a player's confidence and output.

AC Milan are understood to remain open to making Chukwueze's loan deal with Fulham a permanent move.

What Samuel Chukwueze has said about Fulham fans and Marco Silva
Chukwueze's comments after Fulham's 5-4 defeat to Man City at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Tuesday evening underline that he is enjoying playing for the London club.

The winger told Fulham's official website: "It was a crazy game today. We conceded goals we shouldn't have conceded, but I liked the spirit of the team for the comeback.

"The chances we created in the second half were almost there. It was a difficult one to take because we wanted three wins in a row, and it didn't happen, but we'll keep our heads up.

"We fought until the last minute and on Sunday (against Crystal Palace) we're going to give everything for the fans."

Chukwueze noted about the Fulham fans: "For me, I always believe. If we don't believe, we won't score. Everybody believed that we could come back – the team, the coach and the fans.

"The fans were amazing – supportive from 5-1 to 5-4. We gave everything, and I think we need to lift our heads up and say we fought well. We have to move on."

After the defeat to Man City, Chukwueze also praised Fulham manager Silva.

The winger said: "I think I'm finding myself. The coach believes in me.

"That's the most important thing – a coach that believes in you, pushes you and the fans. My teammates push me a lot, so I have to give them credit and the coach credit as well."

Chukwueze underlined the importance of winning as a team instead of just adding to goal-tally by saying: "For me, it's a good feeling to score two goals, but not a good feeling to lose.

"If I had scored my two goals and we won, it would have meant a lot to me – but for now, it doesn't mean a lot."

Latest Fulham transfer news: Everton raid, winger sale
Meanwhile, Everton are planning a raid on Fulham in the January transfer window for their £25m-rated star.

TEAMtalk understands that Fulham are ready to offload a winger in the middle of the season, with West Ham United keen on him.

And finally, TEAMtalk can reveal West Ham United striker Niclas Fullkrug's stance on a potential move to Fulham.



https://www.teamtalk.com/fulham/samuel-chukwueze-ac-milan-2026-permanent-transfer

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Christmas Store now open
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https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/03/christmas-store-now-open/

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Fulham Get Green Light to Complete £26m Transfer as Marco Silva Makes Feelings Clear
Samuel Chukwueze wants to turn his loan at Fulham into a permanent move this summer, GIVEMESPORT understands.

The Nigerian winger smashed in his first two goals for the club in Tuesday evening's memorable battle with Manchester City that saw the Whites almost complete an incredible comeback, hauling themselves from 5-1 down to lose 5-4 in the end.

It adds to the assist he claimed for setting up Raul Jimenez for the winner against Sunderland on November 22 as he starts to showcase his talent in English football.

Chukwueze, 26, is on loan from AC Milan until the end of the season. He only signed on transfer deadline day in the summer and has been playing catch-up ever since.

Missing month


But he is steadily growing in influence at Fulham and is already eager to stay once the temporary deal expires in May.

Silva has been glowing about the Nigeria international but has also warned the player needs to maintain his work rate to secure a long-term deal at Craven Cottage.

Fulham will also lose him for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month with Nigeria kicking off their campaign two days before Christmas.

The Portuguese said: "I am very happy with him. He had a good impact on the game and I'm very pleased for him. I would have preferred to have had Chukwueze earlier in pre-season."

Milan stance
Milan are happy to sell Chukwueze but would command a fee of around £20million.

Silva was critical of his Fulham transfer department for not being aggressive enough in the last transfer window.

In addition to signing Chukwueze they also brought in reserve keeper Benjamin Lecomte and splashed a club-record £34million on fellow winger Kevin.

But Chuwkueze's recent displays have captured the attention of the Fulham fans and the player is determined to make the most of his opportunity to break into English football.

Confident Whites
Even though Fulham ultimately lost to City, Chukwueze's second half goals symbolised the rising levels of confidence in the team.

They had won back-to-back Premier League games before their narrow reverse against Pep Guardiola's team. They were still applauded off at the fine whistle despite the defeat.

Fulham are at home to Crystal Palace this Sunday and Chukwueze is pushing for more first team game time.

He was also credited with an assist for Ryan Sessegnon in Fulham's 3-1 defeat at Bournemouth in October.

Chukwueze began his career in Spain with Villareal before moving to Italy with Milan in 2023.



https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-complete-26m-transfer-marco-silva-man-city/

[WhiteJC]

Craven Cottage Tours awarded by Visit England

Our Craven Cottage Stadium Tour has been awarded a Visit England Visitor Attraction Accolade for 2024/25.
The Stadium Tours Team have been awarded the 'Best Story Told' accolade for the 2024-25 year.

This has been awarded for their knowledge, detail and entertainment that they provide to guests whilst visiting Craven Cottage. Fulham FC are the only football club to receive a Visit England accolade in this category for this year.

Visit England Director Andrew Stokes said:   
"These accolades put England's outstanding attractions in the spotlight as they recognise the amazing visitor experiences available across the country.  They acknowledge the people who give the warmest welcomes, provide the most mouth-watering food and tell the stories that delight visitors, making them jewels of our tourism offer. The excellence on show underlines the quality within the industry, these attractions go the extra mile to guarantee visitors leave with magical memories."

Everyone at the Club would like to congratulate our Stadium Tours Team on this fantastic achievement!

Further information on our Stadium Tours can be found below.

MORE INFORMATION
BOOK YOUR VISIT

    Online at fulhamfc.com/tickets
    By calling the Stadium Tours Team on 0203 841 9057
    By emailing the Stadium Tours Team on [email protected]
    In person from the Fulham FC Reception on Stevenage Road (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)

BOOK NOW



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2025/december/03/craven-cottage-tours-awarded-by-visit-england/

[WhiteJC]

Marco Silva still takes 'many positives' from loss to Man City
A defensively shaky showing did not stop Fulham from frightening their guests.

Marco Silva shared his thoughts on a 5-4 defeat for Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Man City continue to produce entertaining spectacles for the neutral, running up a four goal lead after 55 minutes with big shifts from Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, now at 100 Premier League goals in record breaking time, and Jeremy Doku. Emile Smith Rowe scored near half time, but it seemed his strike mattered for little until goals from Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze cut down the deficit.

Josh King came with inches of a late leveller, and the Cottagers can take away several positives.

"If you go in that direction, about the character and the personality of the team, of course what they showed was impressive. Normally, if you are losing by a heavy score, home or away, it doesn't matter if it's against a side like City, many things can go in their mind.

"After the fifth goal of City, you want to react, but you can be thinking the damage is there, probably it's better to don't take any risk and don't go and face the game.

"But the reaction was unbelievable – from the boys, from our team, from the fans, too. And looking at that reaction, we probably deserved that fifth goal to equalise the game. Unfortunately, we didn't.

"Many positives from the game, definitely. The main one – that connection with the fans in the end, really means something. We didn't take points from this game, but that reaction, the connection at the end, the respect that they showed for a team that lost and conceded five goals at home, was impressive from the fans, and is going to give us many things in the future."

"If you start the game so bad, like we did, against a side like City, you are going to be in trouble.

"We knew before the match that we are going to find a way to create problems for them on the ball, and we did. Even in the toughest moments that we had, after the 1-0, big chance with Emile in the box to equalise. Some moments after that moment, we took good decisions, other moments not so good.

"But against any side in the Premier League, more against sides with this quality, off the ball we have to be much stronger. They started on the front foot: we were not aggressive enough off the ball.

"I think we created, I'm not saying easy, but a bit not so difficult scenario for them to score the first, even the chance from Erling Haaland, [at 0-0] off the post.

"The second goal is a good example on it, the way we squeeze with a central defender, the way our backline didn't cover around. I think it's clear in our principles, we have to do it much, much better, and quicker. We didn't, and they punished ourselves.

"The goal of Emile gave us a bit of hope at the end of the first half. A team that wants to react, double change at half-time – imagine if you go and you concede two early goals again?

"But the reaction was unbelievable from them, and we have to praise that. We are going to take positives. We are going to analyse.

"For sure, the players' feeling is not the best, because we lost the game, but we have to look for the positives, too, and praise the players for the reaction, the way they did it.

"They were really a team, they kept together themselves, and they pushed City back. Probably they deserved more, they deserved the fifth goal to equalise the game."



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2025/12/03/fulham/1243475-marco-silva-still-takes-many-positives-from-loss-to-man-city.html

[WhiteJC]

Jamie Carragher suggests who his ideal Thomas Frank replacement should be at Tottenham
Tottenham tipped to hire Fulham boss Marco Silva if Thomas Frank is sacked.

Thomas Frank has come under pressure at Tottenham Hotspur as results and performance levels continue to spiral downwards. There was an air of frustration when Spurs lost 1-0 at home to Chelsea at the start of November. Thomas Frank wanted a response and got it from his boys, who beat FC Copenhagen 4-0 in the Champions League. Since then, though, things have only gotten worse.

Spurs fell to a 4-1 defeat against Arsenal in the North London Derby at the Emirates Stadium, and have followed it up with losses to Paris Saint-Germain and Fulham. They were shocked 2-1 by Fulham last Saturday, which contributed to the toxic atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Tottenham supporters booed and jeered goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario after his clanger against Fulham put the home side two down after just six minutes.

Thomas Frank leapt in defence of Vicario and slammed the supporters that piled in on his goalkeeper during the game, even going on to the length of calling them "not real Spurs fans". Apparently, this has not gone down well within the Tottenham fanbase, with many sick and tired of the Dane's defensive tactics and wanting him sacked.

Just as it looked like things might get even worse, Spurs somehow came back from a goal down twice to earn a hard-fought point against Newcastle United at St. James' Park. Cristian Romero, the skipper who returned after a while was at the double.

Jamie Carragher reckons Marco Silva could end up at Tottenham
Back in the summer, Spurs were linked with a number of managers after it became clear that Ange Postecoglou will be sacked. Despite ending the club's 17-year-long wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League, Postecoglou was sacked in June. At that time, Fulham boss Marco Silva was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham. In fact, he was the leading candidate to replace Postecoglou, but Spurs hired Thomas Frank in June.

Amid talk of Frank's sacking just more than five months into the job in N17, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has reckoned Silva (via The Overlap) could end up at Tottenham following his career renaissance. The English pundit feels Everton should have never sacked the Portuguese tactician and that he can see him managing Spurs one day.

    "I actually think he was the one manager Everton should have stuck with," Jamie Carragher said on the latest episode of the Overlap.

    "You know when Everton kept sort of changing manager with Moshiri and the owner, he was the one I sort of liked.

    "I've always seen Silva at almost Tottenham, I'm not saying Tottenham as in change Thomas Frank put Marco Silva in.

    "The point I'm trying to make is not quite go from Fulham to like you know a Liverpool or Manchester City you think going to sort of compete for the league but sort of that sort of level just belong with it trying to get you know Champions League maybe, you know Aston Villa, that type of team that would almost be the next step for him in the Premier League. I think he probably deserves one of those jobs."

Silva's Fulham picked up their first away win of the season by beating Tottenham. Silva has done a good job at Fulham. The Portuguese has gained promotion with the Cottagers and established them as a proper Premier League club. However, this season hasn't gone as per the plan as they find themselves in the bottom half of the table. The West Londoners hadn't won an away game, before they met Spurs last weekend.

A combination of individual mistakes, lack of organisation in defence and midfield and poor approach saw Fulham take a 2-0 lead inside six minutes. It could've been worse for Frank's side as Samuel Chukwueze had hit the outside of the post just minutes after Harry Wilson had scored Fulham's second goal. With Silva having not yet committed his future at Craven Cottage, Spurs bosses may pay heed to Carragher's opinion.



https://tothelaneandback.com/2025/12/03/tottenham-tipped-hire-marco-silva-thomas-frank-sacked-jamie-carragher/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham's brave fightback reminds casual fans to focus on the football
CHAOS AT THE COTTAGE

While the bulk of Fulham's support is comprised of working-class folk who like a pie and a pint of foaming shaft as much as the next match-goer, the club's Thames-adjacent postcode of Craven Cottage means fans have never been able to shake their undeserved reputation for being a bunch of well-heeled, upper class popinjays with more of a predilection for half-time hummus washed down by a flute or two of expensive champagne. Their case certainly isn't helped by the fact that the Fulham ticket office is invariably the most obliging port of call for foreign tourists hoping to tick "Attend A Premier League Match" off their bucket lists, or that the ground's go-to celebrity camera cut-away during televised games is the raffish fop and professional posho that is acting's Hugh Grant.

In what looked like a cynical attempt to lean into their status as the quintessential club for football fans with no particular interest in actual football, last season Fulham threw open the doors of their new Riverside Stand. While the club's owner, Shad Khan, described this giant overpriced hospitality suite, which just happens to have pitch-facing seats tacked on to one side, as "a location like no other, a real game-changer for Fulham Football Club". It immediately became the butt of jokes that high rollers who paid through the nose to wine and dine in its many posh eateries would not have to sully their eyes by looking at the pitch, when the windows opposite offered a far more aesthetically pleasing view of the River Thames.

Even the most diehard Fulham fan in what pass for the cheap seats could have been forgiven for averting their gaze from the farce unfolding before them as Manchester City took a 5-1 lead against their team with less than an hour of their Premier League encounter gone last night. They could scarcely have imagined that the rout they were witnessing would end with most of the assembled 26,700 viscerally roaring on the home side only to see them come up this short of rescuing a point, in what would have been one of the most extraordinary top-flight comebacks of all time. "It was impossible for me to enjoy it," said Pep Guardiola, after seeing his team come within a late Josko Gvardiol goalline clearance of total humiliation. "At 5-1 maybe, but at 5-4 I was watching the clock more than the game. It was tough and it would have been tougher if we could not get the result, but I will remember I was there."

Last night's match will also live long in the memory of City striker Erling Haaland, who became the fastest player in Premier League history to score 100 goals, achieving the feat in just 111 games. "It's huge and I'm really proud," he said, upon obliterating Alan Shearer's record of almost 30 years by 13 games. "It's a massive thing, the 100 club is a nice thing to be in and I'm happy." Of course, while Football Daily has no wish to fully rain on the Norwegian's parade, it behoves us to at least drizzle upon it on behalf of those forgotten strikers who plied their trade before the invention of football in 1992. While Haaland's extraordinary achievement makes him the quickest player in Premier League history to score 100 goals, he is only fifth on the all-time English top-flight list. Were they still alive, Sunderland's John Campbell (102 games) and Dave Halliday (103), Everton's Dixie Dean (105) and Arsenal's Ted Drake (108), would almost certainly want a word.

QUOTE OF THE DAY
"It's one of the most magical nights we've lived, one of the best nights of my career. Thank you very much to these people who have come to support us. At this point, some of us have been playing for the national team for 13 years and never imagined this. It says a lot about what we've done for women's football in Spain. We'll continue to inspire girls and boys to fight for their dreams, which sometimes come true" – Alexia Putellas was overwhelmed by the support from a record 55,843 crowd for a Spain home game in the 3-0 Women's Nations League final win over Germany.

LIVE ON BIG WEBSITE
Join Rob Smyth for live Premier League updates from Liverpool 3-1 Sunderland (8.15pm GMT kick-off), with Daniel Harris on Premier League clockwatch duty from 7.30pm.

RECOMMENDED READING
Need a Christmas gift for that special football-obsessed person in your life? Well the Big Website Bookshop has loads of great reads available. You can even just treat yourself. Get shopping here!

FOOTBALL DAILY LETTERS
    Re: John Collins (yesterday's letters), while a Keith v Kevin fixture remains in the realms of fantasy, the Finnish top flight has regularly seen Haka play Honka – David Wood.

    If Keith ever end up in the same league as Harris FC, they would presumably be playing the Orville derby" – Phil Taverner [seriously, can we make this happen? – Football Daily Ed].

    Bonnyrigg Rose's relegation from Scottish League Two means no more meetings with Clyde FC, often abbreviated to 'Bonny v Clyde' on TV live scores – Geoff Williams.

    Pouring out a pint of Newcastle Brown Ale to Football Daily for your correct prediction of a 2-2 draw with Spurs – Dedric Helgert.

    Pep Guardiola has finally reconnected Manchester City to their spiritual past. Specifically 2001 to 2005 and the glory days of Keegan-ball – Darren Leathley.

Send letters to [email protected]. Today's letter o' the day winner is ... Phil Taverner, who wins a copy of Mary Earps: All In. It caused a bit of a stir, you may remember.



https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/fulham-brave-fightback-reminds-casual-164300338.html