Marco Silva was ‘proud’ of his Fulham side as they bounced back from two below-par results by beating Newcastle United at Craven Cottage.
The Whites raced into a 2-0 lead after terrific finishes from Raul Jimenez and Emile Smith Rowe and showed real resilience in the second half after conceding to Harvey Barnes within thirty seconds of the restart. Substitute Reiss Nelson made sure of all three points in the second minute of stoppage time.
Silva told his post-match press conference:
A well deserved three points, clearly, in my opinion. Great work from the lads, and a great reaction from ourselves. I don’t like the word unlucky, but we were not really fortunate in the last games against Preston and West Ham, but what a reaction from ourselves, the way we did it first half was almost brilliant. Very good first half from us, the way we started, the way we played, the way we were dominant during the game, the way we created chances. We scored twice, we should have scored more first half.
Newcastle had one chance before our goal, it’s true, but apart from that – nothing. We were always in a good position, well organised as well, and gave nothing for them. A very good performance, the way we were able to create chances from one side to the other. We know they like to press high but we didn’t really give them chances to press our team high, because we built our attacks really well.
“Clearly it was a good result for us, but of course when they have a fast start in the second half, after 30 seconds we conceded a goal, it probably got in the mind of the players the last minute against West Ham. We took a little bit of time to reorganise, to set ourselves up again. They controlled the game, on the ball, that is true, second half.
We didn’t have as much possession as we like to have, but the reality is that apart from one moment on the counter-attack with [Anthony] Gordon they didn’t really create anything during that period. We had two chances to score with Alex Iwobi – when he had just the goalkeeper in front of him, and another at the far post on the right hand side. After, Rodrigo had another chance, too.
In the last 10 minutes I changed the formation and I think we killed the game completely. There was nothing more from them and we were able to score the 3-1. Great win, great work from the boys. I am really pleased for the reaction from ourselves, and the good thing is that we won in our way – that first half clearly showed the way we want to play, and the way we are working with the players to gel everything in the right direction that we want.”
Without exaggeration, this could (and probably should) have been a win by 5 or 6 goals. So many chances created. Two great goals-albeit, Pope should have done better for Smith-Rowe’s one.
We definitely have the quality, skill wise, to take the game to most teams in the Premiership and give them all a fright.
Just that usual slackening off as the game wears on that is a worrying factor. Our midfield ceases to operate at full power and allows the opposition to rebuild their confidence and start to dominate.
The biggest culprit at those times is Pereira. I thought he had a decent first half but, the mistakes started to creep in, second half.
Nelson, for me, has shown enough to start wide left. That would free Iwobi or Berge to fill Pereira’s spot.
Hate to harp on but a midfield “general” organising and instructing the team as a captain would be a godsend.
I watched this game from Australia and, as the teams were lining up before going out onto the pitch, Joachim Andersen came out of the dressing room and shook each Fulham player’s hand.
He’s the closest thing we have to a real captain and he put in another strong performance.
Bernd Leno is simply the wrong person to skipper the team and his error, when Schar should have equalised for Newcastle, highlighted that for me. He wanted to blame Smith Rowe, yet didn’t even say one word as Smith Rowe shook his head and clearly blamed the keeper.
But, apart from that, three great points and we move on to the next one.
Pereira out, and somebody more effective in midfield like Mario Lemina, in January, would be a good move.
100% agree Charles, Leno is not skipper material. His judgement nearly cost us with his suicidal ball to ESR, from which they could have scored. He turned and gave ESR the evil eye for his own cock up pass.
What do the players drink during the interval?sedatives. How many times are we caught cold after the break leading to a close encounter or goal?
The one big consensus of opinion including me is that Pereira should be dropped to the bench. Midfield is not balanced Lukic is the best option but is prone to bookings. I am yet to be convinced by Berge. The other dilemma to e is whether Nelson should replace Iwobi. We need a better back up goalkeeper. Everything else is positive. Adama Traore gives us something different direct and fast . Both Smith Rowe and Anderson look great new additions. Must add Silva got his substitutions spot on for this match including bolstering the defence by bringing on Diop
100% agree re Pereira. It’s been going that way for a while. How he still takes our free kicks when he’s not scored from 1 in 3 years god knows. I can’t remember the last time he put one on target. The big question is who plays alongside Lukic if he goes to the bench. Berge looks a little slow to me so I’m thinking Iwobi and then start Nelson on the wing. It’s a tricky one because although Pereira isn’t the answer we don’t have a natural replacement that’s ready. If they can get Berge a little more mobile it could be him.
Big shout out to Silva, yet again. You could tell from the off they’ve worked hard on being more clinical. Yes we dominated like v West Ham but there was more pace and intent going forward. Silva is always looking to improve the team. He’s integrated the new boys well yet again. We’re lucky to have him. COYW
Yes 100% agree that Periera should be dropped,.his free kicks and corners are abysmal.
Also I think the midfield needs improving apart from Lukic , the general consensus is he is our best midfielder at the moment his pass successful pass ration is very high. I am not yet convinced by Berg apart from his physical presence he is largely anonymous. Possibly look at making an outfield player captain whilst retaining Cairney as Club Captain. EVerthing else is very positive
Pereira should be dropped and provide cover for ESR. Lukic and Iwobi should be the double pivot with Berge as cover. Reiss should start on the left. In January we should get Semih Kilicoy from Beskitas to provide competition for our strikers and flog Vinicius. Also Sergio Rico is a free agent and I liked him when he was at the club and provide cover for Leno.