Fulham 2-0 Leeds United
Fulham's wonderful season continues. On Tuesday evening, they ended the FA Cup run of fellow Premier side Leeds United in the relaxed stylish manner that we have come to accept.
Unlike so many of his predecessors, Marco Silva does not seem to regard the Cup as a tiresome irrelevance. Although he made a number of changes to his starting 11, he still fielded a very strong side with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Manor Solomon in attack. Mitro is getting back to his best and he helped Solomon to his fourth amazing goal in four matches. Marek Rodak gave a decent performance in goal and newcomer Cedric Soares fitted comfortably in defence.
Serenaded by their travelling fans, Leeds were no pushover. After Cedric conceded a corner Rodak's half-save allowed Georginio Rutter to prod the ball into the net. The referee Chris Kavanagh had already decided to penalise a blatant push on Harry Wilson so the goal was disallowed. The Welshman had fallen theatrically, as is his way, and other officials might have been less sympathetic. If there was any bad luck in United's defeat it can be ascribed to that incident. Fortune was to play no part in either of Fulham's goals.
Five minutes after this let-off the home side took the lead in spectacular fashion. As Leeds were clearing from defence Joao Palhinha, well outside the penalty area, anticipated a weak clearance and beat Marc Roca to the ball thumping it gloriously beyond the reach of goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Leeds were stunned – but continued to probe the home defence. Wilfried Gnonto also netted but his effort was correctly disallowed. Georginio came closest, hitting the post.
Second half
Although the TV pundits expected the visitors to find a second half equaliser, Leeds squandered every chance and went further behind when Mitrovic and Solomon swapped passes before the Israeli captivated the crowd with another memorable strike. Fulham were en route for Round Six – but it was amazing how Leeds failed to get a consolation goal.
Manchester United in the next round? It would have made a good final, but perhaps we should think of it as the first step on that European tour.
Wolves at the Cottage
It's only a week since Wolverhampton Wanderers visited the Cottage though it seems longer.
I have grumbled in the past about latecomers blocking the view of more punctual spectators but there was a different problem this time. In the Hammersmith End a small bunch of Fulham fans near the front had apparently decided to stand throughout the match. This meant all those behind them had to be on their feet also, interfering with the sightline of many more spectators. One of the club stewards shrugged his shoulders and admitted to being powerless but his colleague on the touchline made a few simple gestures to the fans encouraging them to take their seats. It worked fine because the people involved probably had not realised the inconvenience that they were causing. Maybe standing areas will eventually be installed for home and away fans.
Energised by their new manager, Julen Lopetegui Wolves put on a lively display. Fulham had enjoyed a charmed life at Brighton, which may account for the slipshod defending in Friday night's first half. It was no surprise when the visitors went ahead in the 23rd minute, Paulo Sarabia finishing off an exquisite passing movement with a right-footed drive that eluded Tim Ream and Bernd Leno.
Ream had already blocked one effort from Raul Jimenez, and Ruben Nevez had failed to exploit another opportunity. Fulham's only response was a tame header from Carlos Vinicius, deputising for Mitrovic. Wolves had dominated the first period though the home supporters derided the frequency with which the visitors collapsed in apparent pain when tackled.
It would have amazed us if Marco Silva had started the second half with the same line-up. Off went Bobby DeCordova-Reid and Harrison Reed to be replaced by Manor Solomon and Saka Lukic and the improvement was significant. Though Wolves remained a threat Fulham were now playing with a purpose.
There were more catcalls from the stands when goalkeeper Jose Sa called for treatment after a clash with Vinicius then Matheus Cunha collapsed after a Palhinha tackle. This was not a ruse to earn the Fulham player a second yellow, but a severe blow to the visitors as the unfortunate Cunha had to be stretchered off the pitch.
Following his departure, an excellent move led to Solomon equalising with a cross-shot from the edge of the area, his third (exciting) goal in consecutive games. His delighted parents were watching from the stands. Then Vinicius pulled off a header that really tested goalkeeper Jose Sa, and a stricter referee than Michael Oliver would have awarded a penalty against Mario Lemina (remember him?) though of course Fulham had benefited from similar tolerance at Brighton.
The Whites ended Friday's home match with a single point but with ambitions intact.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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