Fulham

Bobbie Jackson, BBC Sport

After a slow start to the season Fulham are finally firing on all cylinders.

Marco Silva may have been slightly concerned when his side stuttered through the opening weeks of the season, winning just two of their first seven games.

Things appear to have taken a turn for the better, though, with Wednesday's demolition of Nottingham Forest sealing their second victory in three outings, having suffered a respectable 4-3 loss at Liverpool during that sequence.

From an attacking sense, Silva's side are shining, scoring three or more goals in three successive top-flight games for the first time since 1966.

Fulham scored 10 goals in their opening 12 fixtures and they have struck 11 times across their last three.

It has to be factored in that Forest were poor but that shouldn't take anything away from Fulham's five-star showing.

Raul Jimenez has struggled to rediscover his goalscoring boots since suffering a sickening head injury in November 2020, but the Mexican showed shades of his former self when grabbing a double, including a cheeky back-heel.

Questions were raised when Silva let Aleksandar Mitrovic, last season's talisman, depart over the summer but Jimenez could prove to be the right man to fill those boots if he can build on a fine performance.

• Fulham have now scored three or more goals in three consecutive Premier League matches for the first time (3 v Wolves, 3 v Aston Villa & 5 v Nottingham Forest).

• Willian made his 300th Premier League appearance tonight, becoming the first Brazilian player to reach this landmark. The Fulham man marked this achievement by providing an assist, his first of the season.

• Raul Jimenez has now scored three goals in his in last four Premier League appearances, the same amount as he managed in his previous 47. His brace tonight was his third in the Premier League overall and his first since January 2020 (for Wolves v Southampton).

• Tonight’s 5-0 defeat was the 10th time that Nottingham Forest have conceded five or more goals in a single match in the Premier League.

• Fulham’s Alex Iwobi scored his first Premier League double tonight on what was his 234th appearance. He scored as many goals tonight as he did in the entirety of last season in the competition (2).

Nottingham Forest fans issued firm backing to manager Steve Cooper despite watching their side suffer a five-goal demolition by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez each scored twice as Fulham netted three goals or more in three successive top-flight games for the first time since 1966.

Despite being well beaten and failing to register a single shot on target, Forest fans showed their support for under-fire Cooper as they roared the Welshman's name even after the fourth strike hit the back of the net, sending a clear message to owner Evangelos Marinakis in the stands.

Iwobi set the Cottagers on their way to victory after 30 minutes when he beat the offside trap to convert Willian's beautifully whipped cross, before Jimenez doubled the lead four minutes later by firing emphatically into the top right corner.

The Mexican forward showed strength and composure to grab his second and Fulham's third early in the second half, shrugging off Forest defender Ola Aina, rounding goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos and then dispatching a cheeky back-heel

Iwobi found was allowed far too much space in the box and met Harry Wilson's cross to score Fulham's fourth, and the scoring was rounded off by substitute Tom Cairney late on as Forest's defence was nowhere to be seen.

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There are six games being played in the Premier League on Wednesday and we will bring you every moment.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

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Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

This week, he takes on CBeebies presenter Rhys Stephenson.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Fulham were unlucky to leave Anfield empty-handed on Sunday after being ahead so late on, and they looked much brighter up front. Maybe they have finally come to terms with Aleksandar Mitrovic's departure, because they have started to score goals again.

It is three defeats in a row now for Nottingham Forest and the noise around the future of their manager Steve Cooper won't go away until their results improve, no matter how unfair that seems.

These two teams are next to each other in the bottom half of the table, so you would expect this game to be close and I actually think they will end up sharing the points.

Rhys' prediction: 1-0

Read the rest of their predictions here

Bayern Munich will face competition from at least two Premier League clubs for 28-year-old Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in January. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

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

It is a busy midweek of Premier League action and BBC Radio 5 Live has got you covered.

Here is the list of commentaries for the 10 games being played on Tuesday through to Thursday, with coverage available on 5 Live, Radio 5 Sports Extra and the BBC Sport website (all times GMT):

Tuesday, 5 December

• Wolves v Burnley (19:30) - Conor McNamara and Leon Osman

• Luton v Arsenal (20:15) - Ali Bruce-Ball and Matt Upson

Wednesday, 6 December

• Aston Villa v Manchester City (20:15) - John Murray and Pat Nevin

• Manchester United v Chelsea (20:15) - Lee Blakeman and Paul Robinson

• Sheffield United v Liverpool (19:30) - Tom Gayle and Alex Bruce

• Crystal Palace v Bournemouth (19:30) - Flo Pollock and Matt Jarvis

• Brighton v Brentford (19:30) - Paul Scott and Francis Benali

• Fulham v Nottingham Forest (19:30) - Sheridan Robins and Stephen Kelly

Thursday, 7 December

• Everton v Newcastle (19:30) - Ali Bruce-Ball and James McFadden

• Tottenham v West Ham (20:15) - Jonathan Pearce and Michael Brown

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham manager Marco Silva wants his players to take the positives from Sunday's last-gasp 4-3 defeat at Liverpool.

After squandering a 3-2 lead in the final 10 minutes at Anfield, Silva believes his side showed enough to win the game and hopes his players can show a positive reaction when they face Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.

At his pre-match news conference, Silva said: "We didn't get the points we deserved, but we took the positives from the game. We scored three goals at Anfield. We have had some games where we deserved more. I believe we are more capable to do this now - it is part of the process of the season. We have to do the right steps to be more consistent."

Silva praised the display of left-back Antonee Robinson, who set up Harry Wilson's goal in the first half.

"What a performance from him, he was at a high, high level," said Silva. "I am pleased for him because some games before, he probably wasn't at his best, so it has been good to see him react."

Fulham have just one win in their past six league games before they face Forest, who have only won once in their past 10 games and have had three consecutive defeats.

"We really know how they are feeling," added Silva. "Before the Wolves match, we had back-to-back defeats, not three in a row, but we know how not good results can impact a football team.

"Even if you have quality, even if you know what you are capable to do, even if it's clear what we want to do, the confidence plays always a big part on a performance and results.

"We know that we can take some confidence from them, but at the same time it can give them the will and the desire to react and to show a reaction."

Fulham have no new injury concerns, but Issa Diop, Rodrigo Muniz, Tyrese Francois and Adama Traore all remain sidelined.

• Fulham have won seven of their past nine league games against Nottingham Forest (L2), winning both Premier League meetings with them last season.

• Nottingham Forest have earned four points from their four Premier League games in London so far this season (W1 D1 L2). It is double the amount they earned in the capital last season (D2 L5).

• Fulham have alternated between defeat and victory in all six of their Premier League home games this season, beating Wolves 3-2 last time out. They have failed to score in all three defeats, while keeping just one clean sheet in these six games.

• Nottingham Forest have won just one of their past 17 Premier League away games (D4 L12), beating Chelsea 1-0 in September. All four of their away points so far this season have come in London (also a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace).

• Willian has scored three goals in his past three Premier League home games, while he also put Fulham 1-0 ahead against Nottingham Forest in this fixture last season.

• Anthony Elanga has been involved in 50% of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League away goals this season (3/6 - 2 goals, 1 assist).

Sammy James, Fulhamish, external

Two days on from Fulham's rip-roarer against Liverpool, I still cannot work out how to feel about it. On one hand there is immense pride that we went to Anfield, played incredibly and scored three goals, but also it is hard not to be disappointed when you concede two late goals to lose the game.

In fairness to the team though, Liverpool scored four of the best goals I have ever seen, so it is really hard to lay blame with anyone. We will just have to chalk it down as one of those games.

But the past two matches have shown that Fulham's goalscoring touch is back. None of our six goals in two games have been scored by strikers, but the rest of the team are starting to contribute. Raul Jimenez is at least starting to create chances for others up front, if not putting them away himself.

Fulham now have two massive home games in which we need to pick up some points. Wednesday's game against a struggling Nottingham Forest feels like a must-win and while Sunday's fixture against West Ham is more difficult, it is certainly winnable too.

I would take four points, but I see no reason why we cannot grab six. If we could get ourselves to that 20-point mark by the end of the weekend, that would give us a lot of breathing space from the clubs below us.

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We asked for your thoughts on Sunday's game between Liverpool and Fulham.

Here are some of your comments:

Liverpool fans

Yusuf: What a game. Trent Alexander-Arnold has had the week of his life - his first goal was a stunner and Alexis Mac Allister's was equally good, if not better. Credit to Fulham after they took the game to Liverpool and were unlucky in the end. The win shows our resilience this season. Something special may be happening - certainly feel that!

Charlie: We should be better at beating opposition of this calibre. Fulham are good, but we are contenders for the title, or should be! Too leaky at the back, which has been an issue for two seasons now and isn't acceptable. Trent is brilliant. Keep it up.

Shane: Far from good enough overall. Our performance had too many mediocre displays, but we take the win and drive on. We need to up our game and be more consistent and put games like this to bed.

Tom: Lethargic and lazy. They should win it in the first half and not be hoping that they will win it at the end. I've seen this situation before, we're always behind Manchester City.

Fulham fans

Rob: A good performance against difficult opponents. But will anyone even mention the foul on Bobby De Cordova-Reid that should have disallowed their winner? We want the Gary O’Neil treatment too.

Kara: For a side that has hardly scored a goal all season, Fulham played really well. Imagine what they would be like with a striker or two, who could score regularly!

Colin: Unfortunately there were too many defensive mistakes which led to us gifting Liverpool two goals.

James: I think it was a little bit silly how we gave our lead away. However, it shows that we can still perform against a good side. We were unlucky.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Premier League midfielder Jermaine Jenas told Match of the Day 2 that Fulham defender Antonee Robinson was "brilliant" against Liverpool.

He said: "Robinson was brilliant throughout the game I thought, along with Alex Iwobi.

"When Salah was quiet it was down to a lot of what Robinson did on the ball. It’s going to be one of those games where Fulham and Marco Silva look back and think ‘how has this happened’.

"You can’t underestimate how well they played, even if they came out of this with a loss.

"Robinson was very unlucky to be on the losing team, down that left hand side the drive that he had, the determination to try and get behind Liverpool’s defence and the link ups with Iwobi were great.

"They just didn’t quite make the right decisions at the right times when they got into spaces. The energy that Robinson has got, still making runs late to get shots on target, he stood out like a sore thumb.

"In the first half in particular, when Fulham were at their best, you saw all of their attacks going down that left hand side."

Catch up with MOTD 2 on BBC iPlayer

Mark Chapman introduces highlights and analysis of Sunday's five Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

And Match of the Day brings you a round-up of Saturday's five games here.

Listen to Sunday's commentaries here:

Liverpool 4-3 Fulham

Manchester City 3-3 Tottenham

Listen to Saturday's commentaries on BBC Sounds:

Arsenal 2-1 Wolves

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Everton

BBC Sport, Joe Rindl

Fulham do not traditionally do well at Liverpool. The Cottagers had won just two of their past 36 visits coming into Sunday's fixture and had never before scored more than once in the Premier League at Anfield.

Yet they were three minutes plus stoppage time away from a brilliant victory.

"We didn't deserve the result, definitely in my opinion," said Fulham manager Marco Silva who pointed out that all four of Liverpool's goals came from superb individual strikes.

"It was great, great goals every time," Silva added on BBC Match of the Day. "Normally that doesn't happen. They scored four great goals from long distance."

Silva also suggested Liverpool's late winner in the 88th minute should have been ruled out.

"When the cross comes in from Darwin [Nunez], Bobby [De Cordova-Reid] challenges the ball in the air and [Konstantinos] Tsimikas, there is a fall on him," he said.

"The referee should see it. We didn't deserve the fourth goal against us."

Fulham face out-of-form Nottingham Forest at home in their next match.

The result may have gone against them at Anfield, but if the Cottagers put in a similar performance on Wednesday they should to return to winning ways.

Fulham manager Marco Silva speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I'm really proud of them, definitely. The way we played, the way we matched Liverpool, the way we showed the spirit.

"It was great. Great goals every time. Normally that doesn't happen. They scored four great goals from long distance, but it was the way we reacted every time from those situations, even we were able to lead the score 3-2 for part of the second half.

"We didn't deserve the result, definitely in my opinion. Even if you look to the first half of course, we were much more controlled and won the ball from Liverpool. They didn't create many chances in the first half. Apart from the great goals they scored, I don't remember one clear chance from them.

"We didn't deserve the fourth goal against us. When the cross comes in from Darwin [Nunez], Bobby [De Cordova-Reid] challenges the ball in the air and [Konstantinos] Tsimikas falls on him. The referee should see, but I don't want to go in this direction. I really want to talk about the positives from the game.

"We are taking many [positives] but unfortunately no points, but this is something we will take into the future.

"This is our image as a team. We want to play in a certain way and build something in this football club. We have to express ourselves on the pitch and the way we did it was really good.

"Unfortunately for us we deserved more, but we didn't take."

• Liverpool have won each of their opening seven home matches of a top-flight season for a seventh time, and for the third time in the Premier League era, after 2019-20 (first 17) and 2020-21 (7).

• Fulham went ahead 3-2 through Bobby De Cordova-Reid in the 80th minute, the latest Liverpool have ever fallen behind in a Premier League match that they went on to win.

• Fulham are winless in seven Premier League away games (D3 L4), losing back-to-back games on the road in the league for the first time since April/May last season.

• In his 210th Premier League appearance for Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold scored in back-to-back games in the competition for the very first time.

• Mo Salah has either scored (17 goals) or assisted (4 assists) a goal in each of his last 16 Premier League appearances at Anfield for Liverpool.

• Harry Wilson, who scored with Fulham’s very first shot of the match, netted his 10th Premier League goal, with seven of these coming away from home (70%).