Iwobi key as Fulham show greater adventurepublished at 22:51 BST 20 September
22:51 BST 20 September
Timothy Abraham BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Fulham had scored just one goal from open play this season but Marco Silva relaxed the sleeves of their defensive straitjacket against Brentford and his side played with more adventure.
That attacking ambition was spearheaded by the impressive Alex Iwobi, whose intelligent use of the ball in possession and slickness in transition was key for the Cottagers.
For just the second time in his career - the first coming against Liverpool in April - he scored and assisted in a Premier League game.
It is rare for the joy of scoring a goal to be eclipsed by supplying one for a team-mate, yet this might have been one such instance.
Iwobi's strike was a case of right place and right time, as he crisply whipped a low effort past Caoimhin Kelleher following Brentford's bungled attempts to clear.
The assist for Harry Wilson's goal 98 seonds later was the game's stellar moment, though.
The Nigeria international exquisitely threaded an angled ball out of reach of the toes of Brentford's defenders and Wilson dispatched it with aplomb.
Fulham's third goal effectively sealed the result and it then became a Silva masterclass in organisation and discipline as they saw the game out without too much threat.
Brentford head coach Keith Andrews makes 10 changes from the side which beat Aston Villa on penalties in the Carabao Cup during the week.
Sepp Van Den Berg is the only survivor as the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Jordan Henderson, Yehor Yarmoliuk and Michael Kayode all return.
Fabio Carvalho, who scored a dramatic equaliser after coming off the bench in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea in their last Premier League match, is again among the substitutes.
Brentford XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Van Den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter, Damsgaard, Henderson, Yarmoliuk, Schade, Thiago
Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Brentfordpublished at 11:04 BST 20 September
11:04 BST 20 September
I actually got a Fulham prediction right last week - and I think it was for the first time ever.
This is a hard one to call because Brentford are useful on the counter-attack under Keith Andrews, but Fulham did the double over the Bees last season.
After successfully backing Fulham to beat Leeds United, I'm going to stick with them.
Fulham v Brentford: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 18:34 BST 19 September
18:34 BST 19 September
Matthew Hobbs BBC Sport journalist
Fulham host Brentford this weekend with the London clubs sitting 11th and 12th respectively in the Premier League table.
BBC Sport examines some of they key themes ahead of their meeting at Craven Cottage, including why corners could be key for both sides.
Fulham's reliance on corners
This meeting at Craven Cottage involves two teams who endured frustrating transfer windows in the summer and as a result, are struggling to create chances in front of goal from open play.
Fulham boss Marco Silva bemoaned the "passive" nature of Fulham's transfer business before the Cottagers signed Brazilian winger Kevin for a club-record fee on deadline day.
Despite his arrival, along with the loan agreements for AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze and Bayern Munich striker Johan Kusi-Asare, Fulham have so far failed to fire in attack.
It means that corners have taken on particular significance for Silva's side. They are yet score from open play this season, with two of their three goals coming from corners – the highest share of any Premier League team.
Fulham are also yet to concede from open play, with two of the four goals they have let in coming from corners, along with two penalties.
Image caption,
Fulham have been reliant on scoring from corners this season
Brentford's set-piece threat
Brentford have so far managed to pick up four points despite a lack of accuracy in front of goal this season but their model of doing so may not be sustainable over the course of the campaign.
The Bees lost both Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa during the summer and although they brought in Dango Ouattara for a club record fee, Keith Andrews' side have recorded the fewest shots (33) of any Premier League side other than Burnley.
Brentford have scored five goals although like Fulham, they have been reliant on set-pieces to provide their predominant goal threat.
Their expected goals tally is 5.33 when factoring in set-plays but this metric drops to 2.25 from open play – ranking Brentford 17th in the Premier League.
Additionally, Brentford have played only 132 line-breaking passes – the fewest of any top-flight side -with just five of these breaking the opposition's defensive line.
Corners for both sides could be key come Saturday afternoon at Craven Cottage.
Silva on his future, loving his job and Kevinpublished at 14:57 BST 19 September
14:57 BST 19 September
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford at Craven Cottage (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
There are no fresh injury concerns for Fulham after Alex Iwobi trained on Friday morning, despite picking up a knock in the victory over Leeds last Saturday.
Summer signing Kevin has made an impact "straight away" after impressing fans but Silva believes everything is a process: "I have enough time to help him in the future. You have to have an impact - he made it straight away. If the fans have this reaction from you, then 10-15% of your job is done. You have the other 85% - 90% to do now. We are ready to help him."
He added: "I like the fans to react in the way they think is best. They have been supporting all the players, home and away. It's what I really need."
The Whites manager said he "loves his job" when discussing his contract expiring next summer: "I don't want it to be a distraction [his contract]. I'm fully focused since I joined. We had some conversations last season - we are always speaking. The right time to talk about it will come."
He added: "Everyone knows I'm excited. I love my job, I love the football club. Every day, for me is the best day in the world. I'm full of ambition and motivation to improve the club."
Local rivals Brentford have been building a reputation for "causing chaos" with their long throws so far this season but Silva said Fulham are ready to face them: "We prepare ourselves. We know their strengths and what we can explore. They are a good example of using the long throw. We have explored Brentford's setup."
On the importance of the derby: "The players understand. Most of our players know what it means, because we didn't change [the squad] much. They know the motivation. It's going to be easy for the new players to understand. Everybody knows what to expect from the game."
'Electric' Kevin provides spark Fulham neededpublished at 12:27 BST 16 September
12:27 BST 16 September
Drew Heatley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Every so often, a player arrives at your club like an electrical storm.
They come in with an effervescence seldom seen, illuminate everything and then depart, replaced with an eerie calm that leaves you stunned and reflective.
Kevin is that storm. His was the name on every Fulham fan's lips during the summer as we chased the Brazilian, and he was on the tip of all our tongues after Saturday's win over Leeds.
His introduction after 75 minutes was like moving from black and white into Technicolor. A previously turgid game, during which we failed to register a shot on target until nearly the hour mark, suddenly turned into a canvas of possibility.
Kevin had Craven Cottage on its feet; "oohs" and "ahhs" greeted his tricks, and vociferous cheers echoed around our historic ground as he charged at Leeds players, giving no one a minute's rest.
It was exactly what the game needed. He nearly marked his debut with a goal, but instead will be pleased with forcing the corner that ultimately saw Gabriel Gudmundsson head into his own net to give Fulham three points.
There used to be stories of the day Pele visited Craven Cottage with Santos in the 1950s. People will be talking about Kevin's time in SW6 with similar reverence - only this time, he is ours.
For exactly how long is anyone's guess, but knowing the game as we do, we should enjoy it while we can, before this storm passes.
Strap in, Fulham fans. Electric Kevin looks like just the spark this side needs.
Fulham 1-0 Leeds - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:09 BST 15 September
11:09 BST 15 September
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Fulham and Leeds.
Here are some of your comments:
Fulham fans
Will: Absolutely huge win. Kevin completely changed the game and got us over the line. Has to start in future.
Brian: I should be delighted with the result and our first win/three points of the season. But, my joy is countered by such negativity in our style of play, backwards, sideways, sideways, backwards... I just wish Marco would go for it more often and try to lift the crowd. We badly need a striker.
Matthew: Been a difficult start for different reasons but have to be content with five points from those games. Hopefully Silva can get the new players to integrate into the squad quickly. I am sure he can.
Ian: As a supporter for over 70 years I know disappointment but there are some highs. Good manager that Marco is, I do not understand playing Lucic and Berge in the same team unless you want to be very defensive. Both fine players but let's get more creative.
Robert: There were lots of negatives against a Leeds side that seemed to be everywhere. Iwobi, Wilson and Sessegnon just seemed off it. Kevin's cameo was sparkling and, of course, Gudmundsson's own goal was a cracker.
Leeds fans
Johnny: If Fulham had scored in the first minute the result would have been the same and there lies the problem for Leeds. We desperately need to find a way to start scoring.
Adrian: Leeds looked very much a Premier League team in this game, which was probably the first time you can say that this season. The goals will come but clearly the sooner the better. Farke needs to be allowed the rest of the calendar year at the very least given he didn't get his striker targets in the transfer window.
Chip: We are going to be in big trouble this season - absolutely no craft. Not a single player looked capable of taking another player on. Worrying times for Leeds fans.
William: We definitely need someone who can score us a goal or two. Blame the 49ers all you want, but if Leeds lose against Wolves in the next game I think Farke is going to be sacked. As we already know - the 49ers are brutal. Look at the Bamford situation - we could do with him right now!
Sean: It's up front where we are struggling. We were unlucky to concede like we did but without creativity we are in trouble. Sacking Farke I'm afraid won't change that.
Is Kevin the answer to Fulham's scoring shortage?published at 07:15 BST 15 September
07:15 BST 15 September
Laura Kenyon Final Score reporter at Craven Cottage
Image source, Getty Images
Marco Silva could not have complained if his side only took a point from the eventual last-gasp win over Leeds.
The chatter among home fans leaving Craven Cottage, while pleased with the result, was: 'where will the goals come from this season?'
Harry Wilson is always a threat from a set-piece, but in open play, the absence of a prolific goalscorer becomes more noticeable after a game where they only managed three shots on target and have an expected goals ratio of 0.7.
Is the answer Fulham's new £40m signing Kevin?
The Brazilian played a cameo on Saturday but could be key in Silva's offensive plans moving forward.
Analysis: Cottagers up and running... justpublished at 18:55 BST 13 September
18:55 BST 13 September
Matthew Howarth BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Fulham were seething at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago after Josh King's first-half strike against Chelsea was wrongly disallowed for a foul in the build-up by Rodrigo Muniz.
This first league win of the season - and the manner of it - will have been the perfect antidote to that 2-0 defeat by their west London neighbours.
For a long time, though, it looked like being another frustrating afternoon for Marco Silva's men.
They failed to register a shot until the 58th minute and only really started to threaten Leeds' goal once Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore had been introduced from the bench on the hour mark.
Smith Rowe struck the foot of the post - although the goal wouldn't have counted after referee Craig Pawson spotted a foul in the build-up - while Traore's raw pace caused Gabriel Gudmundsson problems down the right flank.
Brazilian forward Kevin, a club-record deadline day arrival from Shakhtar, very nearly made himself an instant hero after cutting in from the left and unleashing a sumptuous, curling drive which Karl Darlow did brilliantly to tip over.
Unfortunately for Leeds and Gudmundsson, the Swedish full-back's late intervention proved decisive.
Fulham 1-0 Leeds: What Silva saidpublished at 17:37 BST 13 September
17:37 BST 13 September
Media caption,
Fulham boss Marco Silva spoke to BBC Match of the Day after his side's victory over Leeds: "Definitely a tight game, very difficult in some moments to break them down.
"You felt straightaway the changes that Daniel [Farke] made to his team were to be much more conservative out wide, control better our left-hand side - and they did it.
"With good organisation it is not easy to break them down. In the first half, we were probably too slow. We did not take too many risks and we were too slow, then it is difficult to break them down. They had one good shot from a second ball.
"I think second half we were much better, more dynamic. In these moments, you can have a bit of fatigue and in the last 30 minutes we did create some dangerous moments around their box. Great header from Rodrigo, we should have scored.
"An own goal in the last minute of the game so we have to feel a bit fortunate. A nice feeling for us, a difficult feeling for Daniel and the Leeds boys but that is part of the game.
"It was important for us to keep a clean sheet because we need to create this habit and it allowed us to go on and try to win the game."
On Kevin's debut from the bench: "Massive impact from him. I know him very well. When I pushed the board to go for him, he's a player I know. Still very young but already enough maturity. He was playing in different league, not a top five league, but in Champions League and you could see in moments the quality of the player.
"He's an exciting player and he has a profile that we don't have in our side. It's good to have competition and have players that can break down opposition teams.
"It is not about the speed, it's about the circumstances when you sign players on the last day of the market. If a player has a pre-season he has time to settle and understand what we want, if they arrive last day of the window it is going to take more time.
"He's a great talent and he's going to help us."
Did you know?
Fulham had just five shots against Leeds which is their fewest on record (since 2003-04) for a Premier League home match they went on to win.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Wolves", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Fulham v Leeds Unitedpublished at 11:03 BST 13 September
11:03 BST 13 September
For once, I am very confident I will get this prediction right.
Leeds might fancy their chances at Craven Cottage but you only have to look at their respective squads to see the difference in quality between the two sides, player for player, including on the bench.
Fulham did not have much luck with the decisions that went against them in their defeat by Chelsea last time out, but they were able to bring on Adama Traore, Emile Smith-Rowe, Raul Jimenez and Harry Wilson as they chased that game.
Leeds just do not have that kind of depth and they were well beaten on their last trip to London, a 5-0 defeat at Arsenal a couple of weeks ago.
This will be closer, but with the same end result.
Last season's top scorer, Raul Jimenez, is yet to score in the league although did bag a goal in the EFL Cup, as well as finding the net for Mexico in midweek. Rodrigo Muniz, their next top scorer from 2024-25 has netted twice but one was an own goal.
Fulham have conceded from either an own goal or penalty in each of their league games this season. In fact, they have given away a penalty in each of their past five top-flight matches – a sixth would set a new Premier League record.
Leeds were always going to be reliant on the fortress-like qualities of Elland Road this season, and their pre-international break draw against Newcastle was a second consecutive clean sheet at home, and took their unbeaten home league run to 22 matches.
But they need to pick up points away from west Yorkshire, and their 5-0 drubbing at Arsenal last month was not a good omen. In fact, it meant they had lost their past eight away Premier League matches in London, conceding 26 goals in those defeats.
Head coach Daniel Farke said on transfer deadline day that "in order to be competitive and to survive in the best league in the world, we need to do a bit more in the offence", but Leeds still look short of goalscorers who can be relied upon to stay fit, with free transfers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha both injury-prone.
Leeds' only league goal of the season has come from the penalty spot, while their first and only shot on target against Newcastle last time out came in the 90th minute from Calvert-Lewin. In their previous league game against Arsenal, they also only had one shot on target.