Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:01 GMT 30 December 2024
10:01 GMT 30 December 2024
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Fulham and Bournemouth, which finished in a 2-2 draw.
Here are some of your comments:
Fulham fans
Iain: How many more points are Fulham going to drop in the last minute or in stoppage time? Without these dreadful lapses of concentration, they could be second in the league. And I suppose, that is the difference between the so-called big teams and the pretenders!
Tim: Fair result in the end but disappointed to not hold on to the win with 10 minutes to go. Missed opportunities but overall happy with current position and looking forward to the second half of the season.
Bob: Suppose it was a good point for each side as they are both playing well this season. It is two points dropped again though from a winning position. It's frustrating that we just can't close up shop in the last 15 minutes of a match. Still eighth at this stage of the season so we will take that, especially when you look at the table and see the bigger sides below us struggling. We don't want the transfer window to upset our side - so stay away from us!
Tom: Bournemouth were the better team for 60 minutes, then Tom Cairney came on and changed the game by contributing skill and directness to the midfield. A defensive mistake cost us the win, but a draw was probably a fair result.
Bournemouth fans
Marion: A fantastic point earned today at Fulham who are also flying high this season! We leave it late, but that just makes it more exciting. Well done our beloved Cherries, keep going and we may well be embarking on a magical mystery tour of Europe next season. We never know when we're beaten, and we rarely ever are! We kept going right to the end as they put so much effort in. Fulham may be able to beat Chelsea, but they can't beat us!
Wing: Our resilience has got us through this match again despite our threadbare squad at the moment. The team always have hope and in the last ten minute of games, we always have a chance as we never give up, and today we got a valuable point because of that fundamental quality under Andoni Iraola. Upwards and upwards the Cherries!
Paul: Good point in the end, although it could easily have been all three with better finishing. Definitely missed Justin Kluivert in the 10 slot and Marcus Tavernier's long-term absence continues to be a problem. Dango Ouattara's beautiful finish made up for a string of poor decisions earlier. Overall, got to be thrilled with seven unbeaten.
Ant: Bournemouth's never-say-die attitude under Iraola really is incredible. We never know when we're beaten. If we can start being more ruthless in front of goal, then Europe might beckon.
Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth: Cottagers eye European spotpublished at 18:49 GMT 29 December 2024
18:49 GMT 29 December 2024
Charlotte Coates BBC Sport journalist
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In one of the most competitive Premier League seasons in recent memory, Fulham are well and truly banging on the door for a spot in Europe for the next campaign.
Fulham fans must have cast an eye over the month of December when the fixtures were released and winced but, amazingly, they have come through it unscathed while sat in eighth place.
Marco Silva's side have taken points off Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Chelsea while taking their unbeaten run to seven - their best under the Portuguese boss.
After twice taking the lead against Bournemouth, Fulham were disappointed to be pegged back and end the year with a point.
Silva told BBC Match of the Day: "We go with the strange feeling that we should have taken more points.
"We should have more impact on the table but seven games unbeaten after playing every three games is a great run from us."
With struggling Ipswich Town visiting west London next, Fulham have a real chance in taking their unbeaten run to eight games as they continue to rack up the points.
Fulham 2-2 Bournemouth: Did you know?published at 18:19 GMT 29 December 2024
18:19 GMT 29 December 2024
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Raul Jimenez's opener for Fulham was his 53rd Premier League goal - becoming the joint-highest scoring Mexican player in the competition's history (level with Javier Hernandez).
'We have to be more ruthless' - Silvapublished at 17:46 GMT 29 December 2024
17:46 GMT 29 December 2024
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Fulham boss Marco Silva to BBC Match of the Day: "We have to be more ruthless. We go with the strange feeling that we should have taken more points.
"We should have more impact on the table but seven games unbeaten after playing every three games is a great run from us.
"I think the referee should explain why it is not a red card. We had the same situation against Tottenham. When I see the leg of Robinson, it is a clear red. For sure, that moment will have an impact on the game and it was a red card.
"Of course, we should have taken more points because performance-wise it deserved it."
Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Bournemouthpublished at 11:32 GMT 29 December 2024
11:32 GMT 29 December 2024
Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.
This week, he takes on musician Emma-Jean Thackray, who is a Leeds fan.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
What a result for Fulham last time out. Marco Silva's side only snatched their win over Chelsea right at the end at Stamford Bridge, but they fully deserved it.
Bournemouth are on a great run too, although they have cost me some predictions points by drawing their past two home games when I thought they would win.
So, who do I go for here? Both teams are on a run of six games without defeat, so it is a tough call.
The easiest thing to go for would be a draw, especially since Fulham have drawn their past three games at Craven Cottage, but I am going to be brave and choose a winner, and I am backing Silva's side.
I am a little surprised that Silva doesn't get linked with big jobs anymore when they become available.
Maybe that is because he was seen as under-achieving at Everton when he finished eighth in 2018-19. But if you look at what has happened to them since, when you look back, he was a success at Goodison Park.
Emma-Jean's prediction: 1-1
Fulham are doing well, and Bournemouth are flying. I feel like my crystal ball is telling me this will be a draw.
Fulham v Bournemouth: Did you know?published at 13:01 GMT 28 December 2024
13:01 GMT 28 December 2024
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Fulham beat Bournemouth 3-1 in the last league meeting between the sides in February – only once have they won consecutive league games against the Cherries, doing the double over them in the 1931-32 Third Division South.
Fulham have scored a league-high share 38% of their Premier League goals in the final 15 minutes of games this season (10 out of 26), while Bournemouth rank second for this (10 out of 27).
Silva on 'crucial' Iwobi, celebrations at Chelsea and Bournemouthpublished at 16:26 GMT 27 December 2024
16:26 GMT 27 December 2024
Henry Brownsey BBC Sport journalist
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Bournemouth at Craven Cottage (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Silva started by speaking about his celebration against Chelsea: "It was emotional of course. To score the winner after the 90th minute is always emotional. When I was running, I got the feeling that if I ran a bit more it was going to be a yellow card - so I stopped in the right moment to not get one."
He has "no fresh concerns" regarding injuries but everyone will be assessed on Saturday. He added Fulham "don't know yet" if Emile Smith Rowe will be fit and he will be another late decision.
On his side's season so far: "The progression has been great [with] the way we have responded from the first game. There have been big changes in the squad - the players that have come in have settled really well."
Silva said he's happy with how the team "have responded to absences in the squad" as "it's not easy to have four or five really important players out."
He is also pleased Fulham have players who can adjust to different positions.
A prime example of this is Alex Iwobi: "He's been great. Last season was top and the best [he had been]. This season is going to be much better."
On Iwobi, Silva added: "[He is] already at a very good level - scoring and assisting. He's already being crucial and decisive for us in different positions - from the left, right and centrally. He's a very versatile player."
On the game against fellow high fliers Bournemouth: "What a battle it's going to be. [Boss] Andoni Iraola is doing a great job. Games against Bournemouth are always tight. Their frontline is top, top level with the quality and pace they have. They have a really quality side - it's going to be a great challenge - but it's going to be really difficult for them too."
David: At the beginning of the season, we would have taken second spot at Christmas without blinking. No need to panic - we have plenty more to come. Not ready for the title but we will be a solid top-four team this year. Fulham played well and probably deserved it.
Hashir: A really disappointing game. Enzo Maresca should've made changes during the second half when Fulham were going for attack after attack. One point out of a possible six against weaker teams only puts us under more pressure in challenging for the top four. Hopefully we can forget those results and move on to the next one.
Fossie: The only bright spot was Cole Palmer's goal. In the second half, Fulham dominated the game. The blame has to lie at the manager's door for this loss. There was plenty of talent on the bench, but only one change occurred. Unfortunately, it is also the case that the goalkeeper is just not up to standard. A miserable afternoon for Chelsea supporters.
Luke: This should not be brushed off. There are ways to lose a football match - this horror show was not one of those ways. I need to see a response from Maresca.
Fulham fans
Bill: A quite magnificent performance. Never gave up, a top-class game from everyone and don't forget Bernd Leno's saves! After 45 years, about time!
Will: Wow, just wow. Another late goal in a London derby. Level on points with Manchester City and all memory of the last game has faded. Only one team in Fulham.
Mario: It's a great feeling when the team you have supported for all your life beats the team from down the road. Our never-say-die attitude showed everyone that we cannot be counted out. Happy Christmas to all at Fulham and all our supporters.
Bob: Absolutely brilliant team effort. Subs did the business again with the full support of the rest of the team. Definitely looking up again this season. We have the bragging rights this time. Well done, lads!
Fulham 'constantly on the front foot'published at 10:14 GMT 27 December 2024
10:14 GMT 27 December 2024
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Former Premier League goalkeeper Joe Hart told Match of the Day that Fulham's tactics paid off in their well-deserved derby victory over Chelsea: "Five defenders on the team-sheet is not something Fulham do a lot. You could have been forgiven for thinking they would come with a defensive mind.
"Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson were in the team to push Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto back. Chelsea did look good in the first half and Fulham were just finding their feet. You can read the stats and see it was two late goals for Fulham, but they were so threatening and constantly on the front foot. That is what I loved about them.
"It was end to end but Fulham fully deserved the win."
Marco Silva works his magic againpublished at 19:30 GMT 26 December 2024
19:30 GMT 26 December 2024
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
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Marco Silva's superb work at Fulham has been illustrated by the manner in which they earned fully deserved draws at home to Arsenal and away at Liverpool in recent weeks.
Fulham are a potent combination of quality, energy and relentless ambition and that was all on show here as they were undaunted by going behind to Cole Palmer's superb early strike.
It was no surprise when Harry Wilson equalised, Fulham then preying on Chelsea's growing anxiety to snatch that late winner from Rodrigo Muniz.
Silva raced down the touchline to celebrate with his backroom staff, the Portuguese manager's positive attitude and coaching acumen central to this superb performance.
Fulham keeper Bernd Leno played his part, with crucial saves from Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez either side of the break - as well as keeping Chelsea out in a frantic late goalmouth scramble.
This was no Fulham rearguard action, however.
Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez plunged bravely at the feet of Antonee Robinson as the Fulham left-back looked poised to equalise.
Fulham did not have long to wait for Wilson's equaliser, at the Wales midfielder made the sort of late impact he has perfected this season as exemplified with two goals in the similar late turnaround win against Brentford at Craven Cottage.
Muniz's winner sparked ecstatic scenes among Fulham's players and supporters - and no-one can begrudge them the celebration on this evidence.
'One of the best Boxing Days for the fans' - Silvapublished at 17:53 GMT 26 December 2024
17:53 GMT 26 December 2024
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Fulham boss Marco Silva told BBC Sport: "Football is about connections. Connections between fans, players and staff, means something really big. The most important thing is for the fans. It's not about me at all.
"Some of the speeches before the game were about the fans. It's been a long time [not winning at] their neighbours. We deserved it. We controlled more of the game. We didn't give them chances.
"We created big problems for them. Second half we had more bodies in the box and we created more problems.
"It will be one of the best Boxing Days for the fans in the last 50 years.
"In the second half we started to make better decisions. All the good actions of the game give us confidence."
On Cole Palmer's goal: "We should have been better position - the space betwen Andreas and Sasa was too big - better communication. The quality, the way he turns, the way he passed to the goal, he didn't shoot, he's a player of top calibre.
"We improved. From that moment we kept him more quiet."
On Harry Wilson: "Harry started the last game. It's so nice to see him. It's not a coincidence we're the team with the most goals coming from bench. The players know in some moments you can be decisive in 30 minutes. He's a really crucial player for us. He didn't start the season like he wanted but since he had more confidence and more time on the pitch, he can make the difference."