Fulham won 3–2 against West London rivals Brentford in the second leg of the Premier League Summer Series in the United States.
Our man CRAIG HOPE was at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to bring you his five talking points…
SILVA STAYS…
Marco Silva made unnecessary headlines on Saturday when he refused to answer the Mail Sport’s question whether he had turned down a bid from Saudi Arabia. Given the temptation of £40 million over two seasons, it gave the impression that he might be paving the way for his exit. Not so. Silva has told Al-Ahli that he intends to stay at Craven Cottage and was moved to clarify his position here.
“My commitment to this club has been 100 per cent since the first day I signed and it will continue to be,” he said. ‘Quotations are part of the business. I’ve had two great years at Fulham. It is up to us to respect the club where we work, which I have always done in my career. I have made a decision, spoken to the club and as before I am fully committed to the club.’
If only he had said that 24 hours earlier…
Marco Silva confirmed that he will remain Fulham manager despite a bid from Saudi Arabia
MITRO GOES?
Aleksandar Mitrovic was here, but due to his desire to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, he did not play. In fact, he hasn’t even trained with his teammates, much to Silva’s frustration. He was diplomatic when pressed on the subject on Saturday, but he made no secret of his fear after this game.
“A player who doesn’t train with his teammates isn’t going to play,” he said. When he trains, he plays.
“Of course I want him to train. He’s my player. I want him to participate in all moments with the team.’
Why isn’t he training?
“You’ll have to ask him.”
Ouch.
Aleksandar Mitrovic was out of the game due to his desire to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal
HAMMER BLOW?
Fulham’s Joao Palhinha was the subject of a £45 million offer from West Ham last week, which was duly rejected. It’s easy to see why rivals are so kind to the midfielder, who played here as a central defender.
The Portugal international had been sauntering for 45 minutes, leisurely picking passes behind the Brentford defense when he was left in a heap with his shoulder wedged. The duration of the treatment told you it was serious and, with his arm in a makeshift sling, he was forced to return to the locker room.
Silva confirmed that Palhinha has dislocated his shoulder and the injury “didn’t look good.” He will be sent for a scan on Monday.
That could well have a knock-on effect on West Ham’s summer recruitment plans, should the layoff extend beyond the start of the season. Because as composed as Palhinha looked, is spending half of Declan Rice’s money on a 28-year-old, who has only spent one season in the Premier League, really such a smart investment?
Joao Palhinha suffered a dislocated shoulder and will undergo further testing on Monday
THE SUMMER SERIES IS AMAZING…
Perhaps Premier League teams have been told that in order to appeal to an American audience, there should be no goalless draw in this opening game. It was like watching basketball at times. After Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Brighton on Saturday night, another five goals were scored here.
All four sides we’ve seen so far have a tremendous commitment to attacking football, and they should deserve extra credit for that endeavor given the 30C temperatures.
There was even a nod to ice hockey in the second half as Fulham’s Harrison Reed caused a massive melee – we’ll stop at ‘brawl’ – involving all 22 players and substitutes. You can’t fault their dedication to entertainment.
Fulham celebrates a goal from Bobby De Cordoba-Reid during the first half against Brentford
WANT STRENGTH…
No Mitrovic. Does not matter. The Serb’s team-mates scored a stunning three goals in his absence, and the sight of striker Carlos Vinicius spurring on the decisive third will be an encouragement to Silva.
It was a nice instinctive finish, the Brazilian took the ball from Harry Wilson over the top and poked the bottom corner early with the outside of his left boot.
But it wasn’t Fulham’s best goal, that prize was for Wilson, who dropped a wonderful curling iron into the top corner from 25 yards after just three minutes. Their second goal wasn’t too shabby either, Bobby Decordova-Reid blasted in from the left and blasted into the post with a low drive from 20 yards out. Perhaps the goals lie in this team without the need for Mitrovic.