Huddersfield Town boss Jan Siewert was on the brink of losing his job before this game. Just one win since taking over at the club during their Premier League relegation season was hardly acceptable, and just one point and an early Carabao Cup exit upon their return to the Championship wasn’t exactly the required start. It seemed their match at home to fellow relegated side Fulham was a must-win, but a late stunner from Ivan Cavaleiro proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Siewert, leaving the Terriers struggling while Scott Parker continues to prove himself in a managerial role.
Ivan Cavaleiro Shines for Fulham Against Huddersfield Town
Star Man
Cavaleiro achieved a 9.2 rating in WhoScored’s rankings for the match, enough to earn him top spot. It’s easy to see why, too. Aside from the stunning finish that won the game for Fulham. he was a constant thorn in Huddersfield’s side down the left, causing Florent Hadergjonaj and Tommy Elphick problems all night. He completed four dribbles and created four chances as well. That was all without threatening too heavily in the box, taking just seven touches in the opponent’s penalty area.
A first-half effort that bent just wide of the post signalled his intent on the night. Kamil Grabara was able to watch that one curl wide but what came later in the second half was nothing short of magical.
With the game tied at 1-1 after respective headers from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Karlan Grant, Cavaleiro picked up the ball on the far right of the box. With the ball at his feet, it looked as though he was waiting for the right pass, but when no options became available, he shifted the ball to shoot and bent a stunning effort over the outstretched Grabara to seal the points.
A brilliant strike from Ivan Cavaleiro! The visitors are back in front.
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The loanee from Wolverhampton Wanderers was thought to be an excellent signing by Scott Parker before the season started. Cavaleiro was a major part of Wolves’ promotion from this division in 2017/18, but things just didn’t work out for him in the Premier League. A proven menace at this level, Fulham really do have some quality on their hands.
The End for Siewert
Defeat for Huddersfield signalled the end of the road for their manager Jan Siewert. The German was brought in from Borussia Dortmund II, just as previous boss David Wagner was. However, Wagner’s success with the club went unreplicated, with Siewert achieving just one win in his 19 games in charge.
Whoever comes in next at Huddersfield is going to have an enormous task on their hands. They’ve won one league match since March and look absolutely bereft of confidence. Their youthful approach to the transfer market should be applauded in some aspects, but they may have sold themselves short in not bringing in proven Championship quality.
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