Fulham

We asked you for your thoughts on the 1-1 draw between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage that sent the Reds to the Carabao Cup final.

Here are some of your answers:

Fulham fans:

David: As the reports said, we started nervously and then gave away a soft goal, which was the last thing we needed. A bit more energy after the break but didn't really get going until Harry Wilson came on. He made a big difference but probably too late. Tosin had a fantastic game in defence. Let's hope for a better performance in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Tom: We were phased by the occasion initially. Gave the ball away too often and had no plan B. Liverpool closed us down well and always had an outlet. A better quality squad won in the end. Proud of the Fulham effort though. COYW!

Steve: The team top of the league needed two deflected goals to get past Fulham in the cup. Well played, Fulham!

Liverpool fans:

Brad: Wasn’t the best performance but in a two-legged tie, the only thing that matters is seeing the advantage through. A professional job well done by Liverpool!!

Jimmy: Job done on a difficult night at the Cottage. Darwin Nunez is exciting and not afraid to try something different. I thought Joe Gomez had a tight game again and I hope his goal comes soon while Alexis Mac Allister looks a class act. Fair play to Fulham though as they came out to play and turned Liverpool round a few times. Caoimhin Kelleher was my man of the match.

Stuart: I liked the rhythm that the lads played with. The younger players really did look like they had been there for years and the whole team absorbed the pressure Fulham put on them. Wembley here we come!

Image source, Getty Images

Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton blamed the "soft" manner Fulham gifted a goal to Luis Diaz in the early stages of their semi-final against Liverpool "was the deciding factor" in their defeat.

"Liverpool started very well and Fulham seemed a bit fearful because Liverpool were taking the game to them and they were hanging on in there," said Sutton on the Football Daily podcast.

"They were resilient but they just couldn't get up the pitch. They conceded such a soft goal, which was deflating for the crowd. It was probably also deflating for the players because it left them thinking it was going to take a lot to get back into the game.

"After Fulham got a goal, we saw the levels of belief change in the stadium and in the players themselves, but then Liverpool saw it through comfortably.

"I think they were affected by average goalkeeping. That was the deciding factor in the game."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Fulham have withdrawn from negotiations with Krasnodar for Colombian striker Jhon Cordoba, 30, over concerns about dealing with a Russian club. (Football Transfers), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Fulham manager Marco Silva, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the game: "I am proud of our journey in this competition and this season.

"From when we played the first time [in the EFL Cup] against Tottenham [beat 5-3 on penalties in the Second Round] we showed our ambition and our desire to go on in this competition.

"Our attitude was serious and our ambition we have to be proud of it.

"We kept the semi-finals open against the team which is at the top of the Premier League and they have been so consistent in games.

"We have to be proud of it and unfortunately we did not win the game, but we needed it to go to extra-time.

"As a club and myself as a manager I am proud of the fans, there was great atmosphere here."

On Fulham's downfall: "We tried to start strong to give an impact straight away, but we were too nervous and too emotional.

"Our first actions when we had the possession was to lose many balls.

"First time they went [attacking] they scored and in the moment we have to be realistic we have to be better.

"It created more difficult scenarios for us and performance wise it was not our best performance.

"We are capable to do better, but even so in terms of commitment and desire it was there. Moments like this are a step forward."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton discussing Fulham's performance on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Just a shame from Fulham's perspective the mistake from Bernd Leno to let in the soft goal.

"Liverpool did look comfortable and Fulham were a little bit flat, but when they got the goal the stadium did erupt."

Image source, Getty

Emlyn Begley, BBC Sport

In the end Fulham fell just short.

It was a big night for Marco Silva's side, bidding to reach the final of this competition for the first time. Fans were given flags to wave as the players came out and there was a feeling it could be a special night at Craven Cottage.

Luis Diaz killed the vibe a bit 11 minutes in.

Why Issa Diop was up in the six-yard box to divert home Harry Wilson's ball from the left wing, only he knows. But how Fulham were glad he did to score his first goal since October 2022.

Until that stage it looked as if Fulham's night was going to peter out.

Had Wilson beaten Caoimhin Kelleher from long range a couple of minutes later, who knows what might have happened?

In the end they failed to create one more clear-cut chance to send the game to extra time.

They will have a chance to try to start getting over this cup disappointment on Saturday when they host Newcastle in the FA Cup fourth round.

Liverpool saw off Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals to set up a final showdown with Chelsea at Wembley on 25 February.

The Reds led 2-1 from the first leg and their draw at Craven Cottage was enough to get the job done.

Luis Diaz gave Liverpool an early lead, chesting down Jarell Quansah's diagonal ball, cutting inside and beating Bernd Leno at his near post too easily, albeit with the help of a deflection.

Marco Silva's hosts had good spells and deserved their equaliser on the night when Issa Diop bunded in Harry Wilson's deflected ball.

Another Fulham goal would have sent the tie to extra time and Wilson's long-range strike was saved by Caoimhin Kelleher.

But the Cottagers could not find a second goal despite pushing for one and their wait for a first EFL Cup final goes on.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from home?

Fulham fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Liverpool fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

Fulham have made 24-year-old Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah a key target. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Image source, Reuters

Marco Silva says Fulham's home supporters are "going to play a big part" as the London club bid to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit in their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

Fulham have played the Reds twice at Anfield in league and cup since the start of December and led on both occasions, but were ultimately beaten in both matches.

Silva believes the support Liverpool received helped to get them over the line in those encounters and it is something he would love to see replicated by the home crowd at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.

Previewing the second leg, Silva said: "They [the home fans] are going to be crucial, they are going to play a big part.

"We need them behind us. Some moments we are going to be playing well, other moments probably Liverpool will make us suffer. We need them always behind the team to make Craven Cottage really difficult for Liverpool.

"In these types of games, the crowd can make a big impact. We had good examples at Anfield with the two games we played there. We were playing so good and, in tough moments for Liverpool, they are always there and pushed the team forward. That's what we need from our fans [on Wednesday]. I'm sure they will be with us and they will play a big part in it."

Fulham manager Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before his side's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool on Wednesday.

Fulham lost the first leg 2-1 at Anfield earlier this month.

Here are the main headlines from his news conference:

• Silva has no new injury problems to contend with. Winger Adama Traore remains unavailable for selection.

• Fulham play in three different competitions in the space of a week, but Silva said: "Our focus is on the next one, it's going to be so important for us. We're talking about a semi-final and the chance to play in a final at Wembley."

• He added: "The schedule is there and is going to be really tough, our squad is short in terms of numbers. It's not going to be easy but it is what it is. Now the full focus is on our game against Liverpool."

• Silva would not comment on specific reports of individuals potentially leaving in January, but said: "Of course we are trying to keep our players inside [the club], we don't have conditions to lose players because it's not been easy for us to buy players or sign players."

• On potential incomings, Silva added: "We're always aware, we know what we need and we're always trying to improve our players from a quality point of view. If you can strengthen the squad with new players, you're always looking for it. After that comes the possibilities of the club, what we can do or not. Until now we have not done anything because it was not possible."

Sammy James, Fulhamish, external

It has felt like a long time to wait, but I am so excited for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool.

Craven Cottage might not be top of the list when people think of great atmospheres, but on special occasions such as our Europa League run in 2010, it has the ability to be an incredible venue.

To win this game, we are going to have to summon the spirit of all the special nights over the years like Juventus, Hamburg and the Derby play-off semi-final in 2018 and channel them into this one match of football.

This is a chance for Marco and his team to make history. To be the first Fulham team to reach a domestic cup final since 1975. Us FFC fans know that this team has the ability to beat anyone - hopefully they can turn up and achieve what they deserve.

For me, the key is to stay in it - an early goal for them would be very difficult to recover from. If we can get the first goal, then I really think the game will be there for the taking.

Good luck, lads. Here's hoping this game can go down in Craven Cottage folklore too

AC Milan have made contact with former England youth international Tosin Adarabioyo, with the Fulham defender out of contract at the end of the season. (Sky Sports Italia), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Fulham have made a bid of £30m plus a further £5m in add-ons for 22-year-old Fluminense midfielder Andre, having already agreed personal terms with the Brazil international. (Ben Jacobs), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards believes £50m-rated Armando Broja is not a "top-level striker" and has questioned Chelsea's valuation of the Albania international on the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast: "Lots of managers have had a look at him [at Chelsea] and thought that he's not good enough. I don't want to be brutal but how can they say with a straight face that they will take £60m for him?

"It's being compared to Brighton valuing Evan Ferguson at £100m or Ivan Toney being valued at £100m. I think the Ferguson valuation was too much, but you're not going to get £50m or £60m for a 22-year-old who has scored six goals. That's a waste of money for anyone who does it.

"The irony is Chelsea have tried to drive prices up in the Premier League market over the last two years. They paid £150m for [Moises] Caicedo and £105m for Enzo Fernandez, who both haven't lived up to expectations.

"Maybe they just think that's the going rate so they went and bought some overpriced players and are now thinking, 'let's go and fleece someone like Fulham or Wolves.

"Broja hasn't won anything and he's not done anything at Chelsea to suggest he is that sort of player. He's not particularly done anything at international level but, he's 22-years-old, he's still young. I think there will be some clubs interested in him, absolutely.

"Now that Chelsea have said he can go, it shows you how much trouble they are in with profit and sustainability rules. They are having to offload players again this window. I suspect they will end up getting a loan deal with the obligation to buy at the end of the season. If anyone pays £50m for him though, it's crazy."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Chelsea are willing to let 22-year-old Albania forward Armando Broja leave on a permanent deal if a suitable offer is received. Fulham, West Ham United and Wolves are among the clubs who are interested. (Athletic - subscription required), external

The Blues will ask for £50m for Broja, who has scored two goals in 17 appearances this season. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Fulham are in talks to sign Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah on a six-month loan deal with the option to buy the 24-year-old. (Florian Plettenberg for Sky Germany), external

Want more transfer news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Sammy James, Fulhamish, external

It's been a huge week for Fulham on the pitch with an EFL Cup semi-final first leg up at Anfield, then the SW6 derby at Stamford Bridge. Two defeats is not exactly what the doctor ordered.

However, I think most Fulham fans are feeling pretty positive about the cup result. Many people I was speaking to before the game said that if we came away from Anfield only one goal behind then it was a good result.

Of course, after leading for so long, to lose was a bit deflating, but the most important thing is that we are in the tie. Overcoming a two or even three goal deficit against such a good team would probably have been nigh on impossible.

Our subsequent loss to Chelsea was tough to take, but ultimately it felt like bad timing for a derby. The players were evidently knackered, and the loss of Alex Iwobi to Afcon meant we had no depth on the bench.

Given the Blues' inconsistent form, there will rarely be a better time to end the long 44-year spell without a win at Stamford Bridge, but it just wasn't to be.

We asked you for your thoughts on Saturday's match between Chelsea and Fulham.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

John: Same old. Too many square and backwards passes allowing the opposition to set up to defend. Only when playing on the break with fast passing, direct running and no faffing about do Chelsea look dangerous. But it was good to see Cole Palmer not suffering from a Middlesbrough hangover and Chilly [Ben Chilwell] back in from the cold.

Ryan: This team, against probably all odds, have actually won four games in a row at the Bridge and found a little bit of consistency. Now with the winter break, Chilly and Carney [Chukwuemeka] can get a bit more fitness. Champions League is out of the question but I think we can at least get some form of European football - if these players take confidence from this home form that is.

Fathi: Still naive when defending, and too many players playing out of position leaving the team imbalanced. While Palmer is scoring, he disappears for long spells in matches and does not create enough for others. Today, Enzo was brilliant and involved throughout the match.

Kev: Another poor performance and we were way too slow in possession. We must get a striker in as soon as possible because [Armando] Broja is just not up to Premier League standard. Good news that Chilwell is back because [Levi] Collwill struggles at left back.

Fulham fans

Alex: Awful performance from Fulham. I expect more from a team that is in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup. We were too slow and had inconsistent passes. Poor performance overall.

Mark: We showed them far too much respect. When we had a go, they looked really fragile. One that got away I reckon.

Gemma: Really think we should have left with at least a point. Away form is getting a bit concerning now. Last year we felt very much on the way up - I’m now looking nervously down below as 2024 begins.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Rangers, Brentford and QPR manager Mark Warbuton believes Fulham are "dropping too many points" away from home recently.

Saturday's narrow 1-0 defeat at west London rivals Chelsea was their fifth league loss in a row on the road and saw them slip to 13th in the table.

"It has to be [a concern]," Warbuton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "A good performance in midweek against Liverpool but again they came away with a slight deficit.

"Some of the football they have played has been outstanding this season. They have really talented individuals and collectively they play some lovely football for long spells in games.

"But, the record doesn't lie. On the road now they are dropping too many points and it will be a major concern for Marco [Silva]."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's two Premier League fixtures, as well as Friday night's match between Burnley and Luton

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to Saturday's BBC Radio 5 Live match commentary in full on BBC Sounds:

• Newcastle 2-3 Manchester City

Tottenham, Fulham and Arsenal are ready to rival West Ham's summer move for 22-year-old Feyenoord and Mexico forward Santiago Gimenez. (Football Insider), external

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