A beaming Marco Silva praised his players for their work ethic and character after Fulham came from behind to win at Nottingham Forest last night.
The Whites recovered from conceding a poor opener to Taiwo Awoniyi by scoring three goals in six second half minutes through Tosin Adarabioyo, Joao Palhinha and Harrison Reed. Fulham had to grind out the victory after Forest substitute Lewis O’Brien brought the hosts back into it, but Silva’s side comfortably saw out six added minutes to record their first away win of the season.
The Portuguese head coach told his post-match press conference:
“We were the best team on the pitch. We deserved the three points. The first time they went in our eighteen yard box they won a corner and scored. We made a mistake in that moment, we weren’t as aggressive as we should be. After, we took control.”
We pushed them back, did not create many chances, we had some dangerous moments. We had a chat at HT to keep the same set up, but quicker, much more dynamic. Much more aggressive on the ball, more speed in circulation, because after that the space will appear”
“The way we came back after half time was fantastic. My last words to the players before the game was that they had to show personality. We knew the type of team we played against. Top players, and on the bench, the atmosphere. We did it.”
It’s nice to see Harrison score his first goal, the pressure on him has been really tough. I’m demanding different things from him, playing the different areas of the pitch playing much higher. Great strike from Joao as well. To see our number six arriving to score that goal shows our philosophy shows our ambition as a team as well.”
Great three points. We were clearly the better team throughout.
It was a strange choice to have Tim Ream play at left back as he looked very uncomfortable there -being unable to make any forward progress along that flank and having to constantly play the ball back to Diop. Eventually, he told Diop to stop giving him the ball and to look for alternative options. Once again, Marco Silva was unhappy and frustrated by the constant forward/backwards lack of attacking intent.
Yet, despite that, we had 70% possession and Leno barely touched the ball.
On the opposite wing, things looked promising with Willian showing some real class.
Second half, it was a different story as we stormed forward and all three goals were excellent. Special mention for Harrison Reed. If ever a player deserved a goal, he did. But an extra special shout out to Joao Palhinha. What a player! What a goal! 87% successful pass rate. He has to be one of the best signings we have ever made.
Unfortunately, yet again, he picked up a yellow which will rule him out of our next game and he will be a tremendous miss. Ironically, this time, the booking wasn’t for a crunching tackle but for celebrating his goal -in the same way as he always does -with the fans. He has never been booked for that previously so it certainly seems harsh.
Diop had a decent game although, on a couple of occasions, Tim Ream had to make some fantastic interventions. It is fair to say that Ream will move back to his central position upon the return of Robinson but, at least, Diop banished the nightmare memory of the Crawley game.
As for Forest -22 signings, multi-millions spent-yet they looked but a shadow of the team that stormed to the playoffs last season and beat us at the Cottage. Cooper has a LOT of work to do and, having watched all of their games this season, I think they are a prime candidate for relegation.
Marco Silva, on the other hand, knows exactly how he wants us to play and, when we get our act together, as we did in the second half, we are more than a match for the majority of teams in this division.
Amazing
Diop and Willian showing they can do the job
Ream as always brilliant
We clearly miss Robinson
Palhinha what a signing!!
Mitro no goal but was everywhere . Best signing in Fulham History
Marco Silva a Genius and looking best manager we ever had
Top marks also for Marco looking really smart in his black suit. Put Mr Cooper to shame.
An excellent all round performance 3 goals scored and not one for Mitro. That is a good sign, as it shows other players can score. We missed Robinson at left back. Ream did not look entirely comfortable there, and he could make those mauranding runs down the wing. but he defended well. Good debut for Willian who showed his class. It is a shame Palhinha booked up another unnecessarry yellow card, which will mean he will miss the Newcastle match, but what a fantastic signing he has proved to be, I thought Tete was also excellent. Also at long last we have a decent substitutes bench
Forest, 22 signings make a roster, not a team. That’s the first lesson in Football Management. My bet is they’ll be relegated at end of season.
On Palhinha: WHAT..A.PLAYER !!!!!
Amazing goal and more important yet, 100% tackles won by game stats…. 100% !!!!!!!!!
I feel confident for the reason, COYW!