A frustrated Marco Silva felt Fulham fought hard at Bournemouth last night – but was disappointed after his side threw away another winning position at the Vitality Stadium,
The Whites led through a fine goal from Ryan Sessegnon and were twelve minutes from a precious three points but were beaten by three late Cherries goals. Antoine Semenyo levelled for the Cherries when he snuck a shot through the legs of Bernd Leno before former Fulham transfer target Justin Kluivert put the hosts in front with a wonderful 25-yard curler and Semenyo added a second on the break at the death.
Silva told his post-match press conference:
“It was tough to lose it the way we lost it. In the first 15 to 20 minutes we lost Saša (Luki?) as well. Tom Cairney came in, and we adjusted. We changed the position of Harry Wilson. We had a low block in place. I would like to see us a little higher as a block. We started to control things a little bit better from that moment.
We knew they had pace in the attack line, and the first half was very balanced. We had some moments to punish them on the counter-attack in that first period. We missed the passes, and they did not for their third goal. It happened too often for us in these moments. We must be more assertive and punish the opposition.
We started the second half better. Much more in control with longer possessions from us. We broke the intensity they usually have to jump and pressurise, and we slowed down the game in the way we like to prepare ourselves. We broke the intensity they usually have to jump and pressurise, and we slowed down the game in the way we like to prepare ourselves.
Until they equalised they had created zero chances. They arrived in dangerous areas but they didn’t see one clear chance. Two individual moments from two Bournemouth players decided the game. That is the reality. We have to be stronger in those moments, it’s as simple as that.
We had things completely under control in terms of organisation but the two moments decided the game and everything was more difficult after that. Even then we had two great chances through Tom Cairney to equalise the game so my players showed a reaction despite the setbacks.”
At least Silva couldn’t use the referee as an excuse. One booking, one VAR check and that’s about it. Hooper did OK last night.
We conceeded the desicive goal at Villa by backing off and inviting the shot. 5 days later at Bournemouth we do exactly the same. Why can’t we learn!! If you give premier league players the opportunity you will be punished.
A really gritty performance that deserved more but thrown away.
Agree with Martin, good refereeing from a ref I don’t usually like.
Terrible ground, food rubbish, got soaked throughout the match and had to put up with that infernal drumming because their support is crap
Another loss after taking the lead. Losing Lukic who has been our one of of most consistent player was a major blow. I would not have Berge in my team slow and cannot pass forward.Harrison Reed is a better option. A serious review of or midfield is required as we cannot compete in this area. Our defending was abysmal not closing players down and allowing Klivert to shoot from distant. Is there a case for playing Diop and Cuenca instead of Andersen and Bassey, Castagne is no substitute for Tete. Also use Sess who along with Cairney werre our best players, as a winger and bring Robinson for his pace in at full back. Finally I completely fail to understand why Kusi-Asare was not given some minutes instead of Traore. Disappointing all round. Chukwueze looks worth a punt to start. Kevin has not fitted in yet