Wilson reveals shoelace superstition behind fantastic form published at 12:27 GMT 8 January
12:27 GMT 8 January
Image source, Getty Images
Some footballers have to put a certain boot on first, some have to listen to a certain song in the build-up, but perhaps there are not many to do with having one shoelace shorter than the other!
Fulham's Harry Wilson is a notable exception.
After again scoring on Wednesday, this time to seal a 2-1 victory over Chelsea, Wilson confirmed his new superstition had occurred after splitting a lace in a heavy challenge earlier in the season.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Wilson said: "The kitman at half-time only had one pair of laces left, but I think that's when my good run started.
"I feel I can't change now."
Wilson has seven goals and four assists in the Premier League since the beginning of November. also bagging a hat-trick for Wales in that time against North Macedonia.
His 81st-minute right-footed winner against Chelsea was the first Premier League goal he had scored with his weaker foot.
"The lace in my right boot is a little bit longer than the one on the left," he explained.
"When you get into a good moment of good form, scoring, assisting and the team is doing well, I like to keep everything the same."
Wilson level 'ridiculously high' - Murphypublished at 09:54 GMT 8 January
09:54 GMT 8 January
Media caption,
Fulham's Harry Wilson will have his "pick of clubs" at the end of the season if he continues his impressive form, says former midfielder Danny Murphy.
The 28-year-old added another goal to his growing tally this season when he scored the winner against west London rivals Chelsea on Wednesday night.
Wilson has been in a rich vein of form in recent weeks, racking up nine goal involvements in his past nine Premier League games.
However, the winger is out of contract at the end of the campaign and could leave on a free transfer if a new deal is not agreed.
"I'm running out of superlatives for him," Murphysaid on BBC Match of the Day.
"He is so intelligent. He doesn't rely on his physicality and pace as his movement is brilliant. In front of goal, he is so reliable and technically is such a good player.
"He continually probes and tried to make things happen.
"Yeah, he had a bit of luck with the ball coming off the thigh of Reece James [for his goal] but he deserves that bit of luck.
"His levels at the moment are ridiculously high and if he maintains that then he is going to have the pick of clubs because he is out of contract at the end of the season."
Alan: What an incredible season we've had so far. Marco Silva looks to have cracked the formula to upset the so-called big clubs despite missing four key players. I hope the owners are taking heed of where he could actually take this club to.
James: What a massive derby win! After the clear red card we dominated throughout and were saved by another beautiful Harry Wilson strike. Let's not trip up in the FA Cup against Middlesbrough and let's bring our great form onto Leeds away.
David: A superb win for Fulham. Always in the ascendancy. Solid performance from all the players with Raul Jimenez and Wilson outstanding.
Matt: Wilson is on fire! Great team display. Emile Smith Rowe is on the up and Kevin causing Chelsea chaos. COYW!
Chelsea fans
Neil: Too young, absolutely overrated and simply not good enough. A player like Granit Xhaka who Sunderland signed for a pittance would have helped a young squad so much. The owners are obviously very rich but also absolutely clueless when it comes to football, yes … football not soccer.
Pete: Chelsea's disciplinary record is second to none in the Premier League. The sporting directors need to set a president and suspend Marc Cucurella from having any contact with the club for three weeks and fine him three months' wages. This should be enough to set a standard and show that even the most experienced player in the squad can expect this treatment if they do not exercise a consistent level of self-control and discipline.
George: Appalling display. Ill-discipline costs the team. There appears very little cohesion between front four players and the team. I'm now especially worried for Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto if what they are suffering is loss of form or possibly worse, instilled into them by the previous manager. The new apprentice coming in to manage this team has his hands full. My wish is that Liam Rosenior starts with discipline. He needs lots of luck to succeed.
Don: They continually find a way to perform worse than their last worst performance. If you're asking can they get worse, the answer is yes.
Watch Premier League highlights and analysispublished at 07:24 GMT 8 January
07:24 GMT 8 January
Pundits Danny Murphy and Stephen Warnock are on hand to bring you the action and talking points from the nine Premier League fixtures so far this week.
Fulham 2-1 Chelsea: What Silva saidpublished at 22:53 GMT 7 January
22:53 GMT 7 January
Media caption,
Fulham boss Marco Silva spoke to BBC Sport after his side's victory over Chelsea: "We never expect to win a game if we don't work hard.
"We knew we controlled very well the game. We had to be aware with some transitions we gave them a chance. I believe we deserved the three points and did more to win the game.
"We changed with the substitution of Kevin to be much more offensive. Most of these players played three games in seven days. It's an incredible effort from these guys and they deserve all the credit.
"We had to be patient. I wanted to wait for half-time because it would be more clear the instructions for what we needed for the game. It was a great win for these guys [fans]. In the past the fans weren't used to winning against their neighbours. But they're getting the great feelings now."
On Harry Wilson: "Every thing he does is something. What a finish for the disallowed goal. He's in a top moment. He's in the best moment of his career so far. He's helping the team. What a season from him."
Did you know?
Fulham are just the second side in Premier League history to name 11 different nationalities in their starting XI for five consecutive games after Arsenal did so between November and December 2011.
Analysis: Where has Wilson been hiding?published at 22:15 GMT 7 January
22:15 GMT 7 January
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter at Craven Cottage
Image source, Getty Images
It's remarkable to think that Welshman Harry Wilson was struggling to get a game for Fulham at one stage but is now among the top-performing forwards in the Premier League.
The former Liverpool player was a thorn in Chelsea's side all match, peppering their goal with shots when the match was 11 v 11 before his clever run drew the foul from Marc Cucurella that brought the red card and changed the complexion of the match.
Wilson looked to have scored through a firm, low shot just before half-time, but it was cruelly ruled out because Raul Jimenez mistimed his run in the build-up.
However, Wilson was the first Fulham player to threaten the goal after the break and eventually scored after a terrific touch and lethal strike with his right foot.
Wilson was serenaded by home supporters moments after doing an on-pitch interview, and it was easy to understand why.
Since the start of November, only Manchester City's superstar striker Erling Haaland (12) has had more Premier League goal involvements than Wilson (10 – six goals, four assists).
In that time, Fulham have gone from relegation danger to being contenders for European football again.
Fulham recall midfielder Harris from Oxford Utdpublished at 16:30 GMT 7 January
16:30 GMT 7 January
Image source, Getty Images
Fulham have recalled midfielder Luke Harris from his loan spell at Championship side Oxford United.
The 20-year-old made 17 appearances in all competitions for the U's, including scoring in a 1-1 draw at home to promotion-chasers Middlesbrough in November.
Harris spent last season on loan at League One side Birmingham City, helping them get promoted up to the Championship.
The former Fulham academy player previously spent five months on loan to Exeter City during the 2023-2024 season.
Fulham v Chelsea: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 09:26 GMT 7 January
09:26 GMT 7 January
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Fulham will go level on points with Chelsea if they beat their west London neighbours on Wednesday (19:30 GMT). BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before the match.
In-form Wilson shining for Cottagers
Fulham's 2-2 draw against Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to five games, though the Whites were once again grateful for a late goal. They beat West Ham on 27 December thanks to an 85th-minute Raul Jimenez strike and earned a point against Crystal Palace five days later courtesy of Tom Cairney's effort 10 minutes from time.
Harrison Reed's equaliser at the weekend came even later, arriving in spectacular fashion in the seventh minute of injury time – just 143 seconds after Cody Gakpo had struck what seemed sure to be the winner for the Merseysiders.
Head coach Marco Silva admitted to mixed emotions after the final whistle, praising Reed's long-range strike as an "incredible moment" but insisting his side could have won a game they deservedly led at half-time following another goal from the in-form Harry Wilson.
The 28-year-old has been pivotal to his side's improved performances since the start of November – the Whites have taken 20 points from 11 games in that period, which is bettered only by the Premier League's top three sides. Wilson has been directly involved in nine top-flight goals during that time, scoring five and assisting four, a haul second only to Erling Haaland.
Until this season, the Welshman had often produced his most impactful moments as a substitute, and he came off the bench to score in last term's 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. This season, however, he is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Craven Cottage a happy hunting ground for Blues
Like Fulham, Chelsea salvaged a point on Sunday thanks to an injury-time equaliser. Enzo Fernandez struck from close range against Manchester City in the fourth minute of stoppage time, meaning the Club World Cup champions have now drawn three consecutive Premier League away games.
Caretaker Calum McFarlane led the Blues at the weekend following Enzo Maresca's departure and felt the result was deserved, praising the character his side showed in the second half. On Tuesday the club confirmed that Liam Rosenior - previously in charge of sister club Strasbourg - will be their new head coach, though McFarlane will be in the dugout one more time on Wednesday.
Rosenior may lack experience at a club of Chelsea's stature but his tactical approach may make him a good fit as a replacement for Maresca. Under his guidance, Strasbourg built patiently from the back and dominated possession – they have played fewer long passes than any other Ligue 1 side this season and rank third for total passes, behind only Paris St-Germain and Marseille.
That style carries risks, however. Strasbourg have committed a joint-high 17 errors leading to opposition shots in the French top flight this season.
McFarlane will be looking to maintain Chelsea's formidable record at Craven Cottage in his second and last game in temporary charge. The Blues have lost just two of their past 23 away games against Fulham, winning 15 of those fixtures – including six of the past seven.
Silva on avoiding 'mental fatigue', Wirtz goal and 'special' derbypublished at 16:44 GMT 6 January
16:44 GMT 6 January
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Craven Cottage (kick-off 19:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Silva confirmed there were no new injury concerns for Wednesday's game, with Kenny Tete, Rodrigo Muniz and Josh King out. However, Ryan Sessegnon is in "contention" for a return to action.
He feels it is "very difficult" managing the workload of the players currently, but does not believe "mental fatigue" will happen with the results they have had and the "special game" coming up against Chelsea.
The Fulham boss confirmed that the club have contacted PGMOL about Florian Wirtz's goal for Liverpool in their draw on Sunday, in which the midfielder looked to be offside but VAR awarded the goal. They have not yet heard back and Silva said: "I cannot believe that goal was not disallowed."
He added: "People talk about five centimetres [technology allowance] but for me that is much more than five centimetres. It's important for football people to understand. Look back four weeks, Crystal Palace at home, Emile Smith Rowe's goal disallowed but less than five centimetres that time, probably half of a nail [of Samuel Chukuweze]. Who was talking about five centimetres then? What happened this game? I still don't understand."
On if the technology is improving decision-making: "I'm a big believer at the end of the season everything should be balanced. It is part of the game, good and bad decisions, for me, players, officials. The reality is we have been very unlucky in things that are not grey but black and white."
Silva said they "don't use the mistakes as motivation", but "have our own motivations to play good football, play the derby like it should be played, respect Chelsea, respect our fans and make them proud".
Silva said there were no updates on Harry Wilson's contract and the situation for Adama Traore was "still the same", with no new offers for the forward.
He also said he does not "have any comments at all" on the managerial situation at Manchester United that he has been linked with.
Fulham 'evolution' helped by players from pastpublished at 16:30 GMT 5 January
16:30 GMT 5 January
Drew Heatley Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
There is a lot of talk about evolution within football, of teams and of the game itself.
In each of our past two matches, Fulham have salvaged a point thanks to players whom many would have dismissed as past their best.
Tom Cairney hit a sweet strike at Selhurst Park to ensure we kicked off the new year with a point, then on Sunday, Harrison Reed scored a goal-of-the-season contender seven minutes deep into injury time against Liverpool to make sure the spoils were shared.
Reed's moment is special as he has always been unsung – perhaps even under-appreciated – during his six-year stay at the club. He is a midfield workhorse who rarely puts a foot wrong but rarely takes the spotlight either.
In recent years, he has been consigned to watching from the sidelines as Marco Silva's team continues to evolve with multi-million-pound additions.
Indeed, he has not started a league game for us since the final match of the 2023-24 season – a dead-rubber against already-relegated Luton Town – and has been reduced to just three substitute appearances this term. It made his equaliser – and moment in the sun – all the sweeter.
It is a shame that Reed's goal was not the winner. Liverpool's first goal of the afternoon, through Florian Wirtz, was initially flagged as offside until VAR intervened thanks to a 'tolerance level' of 5cm in favour of the attacker built into the software.
Technology has flooded football in recent years with the aim of aiding referees and removing contentious decisions from the game. To bring this tech in and still bake in margins of error feels completely baffling to me. It is a flawed invention.
The only progress that really matters, then, is the fact that Fulham are five games unbeaten and climbing the table. A win in the SW6 derby against managerless Chelsea would put us level on points with our rivals.
Why was Wirtz's goal given onside through VAR?published at 10:29 GMT 5 January
10:29 GMT 5 January
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
It is a little known fact but there has been a 5cm tolerance in VAR offside technology since the start of 2021-22.
It was added because of inaccuracies in the technology. Think of it as giving the benefit of the doubt to the attacker.
So goals that are very marginally offside can be given onside through VAR – regardless of the on-field decision.
At the time, referees' body Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) estimated it could lead to an additional 20 goals a season.
When semi-automated offside came in the other top flights like Germany, Spain and Italy removed the tolerance level. The new tech was seen as more accurate.
England opted to keep the tolerance level feeling it was more in the spirit of the game.
Yet Wirtz looked more than 5cm offside when he scored in Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Fulham on Sunday, so why was the goal allowed? It is all about frame choice.
There is no chip in the ball in any league, only in tournaments like the World Cup and the Euros. So the VAR is offered three frames and chooses the first which shows contact in the act of playing the ball. It is not when the ball leaves the foot.
In Wirtz's case, the VAR has chosen one frame, and TV broadcasters the next frame. Wirtz is more clearly offside in the second one.
Conor Bradley played the pass to Wirtz. His boots are dark in the front half, not fully white. This can be misleading.
Unlike in other competitions, the animation in the Premier League is not knitted to real-life footage. This means the chosen frame is not clear.
Why does the animation not move in line with the players? It is the tolerance level again. Otherwise a player given onside could break through the line.
'He won't score another goal like that in his whole career'published at 08:20 GMT 5 January
08:20 GMT 5 January
Media caption,
Harrison Reed's stunning 97th-minute equaliser for Fulham against Liverpool will no doubt be a strong contender for goal of the season.
Reed picked up the ball 30 yards out and found the top corner with a superb strike that left media pundits stunned and applauding.
"It is a poster goal because it even went into the top corner," said former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "He won't score another goal like that in his whole career.
"A phenomenal strike," said ex-Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given on Match of the Day. "To get that much dip, movement and swerve - Alisson had no chance at all."
Fulham 2-2 Liverpool - the fans' verdictpublished at 07:49 GMT 5 January
07:49 GMT 5 January
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool.
Here are some of your comments:
Fulham fans
James: What a game. We deserved the well-fought point in a great performance against the champions. We're on very good form without many of our key players. What a goal from Harrison Reed at the end!
Josh: First half, Fulham were too passive - Liverpool may have been there for the taking. They have good players who should be taking the game to teams when they are at home. PS: I think Harrison Reed is the best player in the world!
John: Immensely proud of a very depleted squad. Five or six first teamers missing. Well done!
Liverpool fans
Paul: It's one disappointing performance after another. We pressed for the equaliser, got it and then allowed Fulham to come back strongly. I feel Chiesa should be allowed more minutes and I would have put Ngumoha on in the second half. It doesn't look promising for them when we're chasing a win given Ekiteke, Salah and Isak were all unavailable. I worry we might get thumped on Thursday.
Dazzer: Gakpo's goal should have been the winner. Not an acceptable ending for Liverpool, but well done Fulham, who are a tough team to beat.
Ken: I thoroughly dislike the identity of this Liverpool team. Are Slot and his staff coaching them to be this feeble and pedestrian? Then, after somehow getting ahead, what kind of defending is that? How can any professional footballer be left unattended 30-35 yards from goal without anyone in close proximity to challenge? Beginning to lose patience with this team and Slot. Unless there's a marked change soon, it may be time to part ways in the summer.
Image source, Getty Images
