Fabio Carvalho said it felt ‘amazing’ to complete ninety minutes and end his injury hell with a goal as Fulham cruised past Barnsley at Craven Cottage this afternoon.
The talented teenager made his first start since August after being troubled by a toe injury and complications caused by contracted coronavirus and scored a terrific goal to put the Whites two to the good ten minutes before the break. The youngster, whose creativity and sharpness adds a different dimension to Fulham’s forward line, told FFCTV after the final whistle that the only disappointment was not to keep another clean sheet.
“It was a good performance from the team. Good to get the 4-1 win. They were tough to be fair. I know the scoreline’s 4-1, but it was a tough game – they were very physical and committed. Unlucky not to get the clean sheet, but we go again next week. One of the main things the manager drilled us in at half time was to get the clean sheet. We tried so hard, but it didn’t come for us. We defended well throughout the whole game, it wasn’t just the back four – it started from the front, which is a perfect thing to take.”
Carvalho was delighted to link up with in-form forward Aleksandar Mitrovic again and the pair combined superbly for his well-taken goal that put clear water between Fulham and their opponents.
It’s something I’ve been trying to practice in training a lot – combinations off Mitro a lot, because I know if I play it to him, the ball’s going to come back to me. Obviously, it worked today and I’m looking to keep that on and hopefully we’ll get more goals from it. He always pushes me in training to do the best I can. We had such a good chemistry before, but I obviously got Covid and I was injured, but it’s good to be back now and we’ll look to continue this chemistry. He’s just amazing. When he’s confident and on top form, he’s just unplayable at times. You know that if he shoots it’s a goal. He’s just amazing to play with. He keeps pushing me, he gets the best out of me.
He was especially pleased to come through a full ninety minutes in what was a physical encounter and wants to help Marco Silva’s side continue their excellent run of recent form.
I’m glad to be back. I’m playing in front of the fans as well, who I love. It’s great to be back. Obviously, you can’t play every game. I’ve come back from injury, I’m not going to start straightaway. I got my chance today and I took it – I’m very happy.
Such a contrast -having Carvalho in the side instead of Decordova Reid. Our attacking game just seems to flow so fluidly.
Honestly, without exaggeration, it could have been ten as we sliced through a very poor Barnsley defence but our finishing and final passes were often not a match for our build up play.
Only complacency or a dreadful run of injuries can stop this team from being outright champions IMO.
It is so refreshing that Marco Silva does not allow the team to sit on a two goal lead but to continue pushing for more goals right up until the final whistle. The fact that his half-time talk also was about keeping the clean sheet speaks volumes about the difference in the managerial philosophy from the last few seasons.
Just two seasons ago, this same Barnsley team, facing relegation, did the double over us and, at the Cottage, Cauley Woodrow, in a Man of the Match performance, ran us ragged.
Today, that was never remotely going to happen although I reserve a final word for Marek Rodak whose first half save, preventing them going ahead, was top drawer.
I can’t wait for the next game!
A much better choice than Bobby D Reed. His words indicates he wants to play for Fulham but obviously an agent or someone is advising him otherwise. Hopefully he will see sense by signing a contract with a get out clause if we ate not in the Premiership
Yes he played well, a good player who from what I’ve heard will leave . But why run down Read who works hard a good player and always gives his best, the whole team has done well this season that’s why we’re we are
I think the point being msge is that Cavalhomid a better player than Bobby Reed. Silva I think is the only person that might be able to persuade him to sign a contract. I concur st present Seri is a class above the other mid field players.
I think he is leaving too.
What a shame…
Money talks…
Let’s enjoy it while we can!