Loan Watch: Lemina goal gives Fulham lifeline
Southampton loanee Mario Lemina played a crucial role in Fulham’s impressive victory over Liverpool at Anfield. This and more in this week's Loan Watch, in association with Kuflink...
Despite falling to a 1-0 loss at home to Spurs in the week, Scott Parker’s side gave their survival hopes a huge boost with victory over last year’s Premier League Champions.
Not only did Lemina net his first goal for the side against Liverpool, he was vital in many other components of Fulham’s game.
Victory at Anfield gives Fulham's survival hopes this season a massive boost as they now sit level on points with 17th place Brighton.
In Scotland’s top division, Celtic were held to a 0-0 draw at Dundee United.
Saints loanee Mohamed Elyounoussi had a couple of attempts on goal for Celtic, including a header which shot just wide as the game drew to a close.
The draw at United meant Celtic lost their claim on the Scottish Premiership title for the first time in nine years, as Glasgow rivals Rangers confirmed their status as Champions.
In Europe, Wesley Hoedt managed to secure some game time this week also, playing in Lazio’s full fixture against Juventus where despite scoring first, they fell to a 3-1 defeat.
In the Championship, it’s been a week of mixed fortunes for Saints loanees.
Yan Valery featured in both Birmingham City’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town and their 1-0 defeat to Barnsley.
Birmingham now sit 21st in the league, three points clear of the drop, though 22nd place Rotherham United do have three games in hand.
Angus Gunn and Stoke City fell to a 2-1 defeat in the week at the hands of Swansea City. With Andre Ayew scoring a last gasp penalty to give the Welsh side a contentious victory.
A much better performance from Michael O’Neill’s men on the weekend as they netted twice against Wycombe Wanderers with Angus Gunn keeping a clean sheet.
Victory over Wycombe leaves Stoke just nine points adrift of the play-off places.
For Bournemouth it was a largely positive week on the road.
In both fixtures, Jonathan Woodgate turned to Shane Long in the 75th minute in hopes he could be the difference with scores tied at 1-1.
Bournemouth secured a 2-1 victory over Bristol City in the week, whereas Saturday's tie with Preston North End ended with the points being shared.
Bournemouth now sit on the cusp of the play off positions, with just one point separating them and 6th place Barnsley.
Now to League One, where it’s been a hugely positive week for Josh Sims and Doncaster Rovers.
Sims featured in both Doncaster Rovers 2-1 victories over Portsmouth and Plymouth Argyle. They now sit fifth in the league and their play-off hopes are well and truly alive.
Elsewhere in League One, It was a great week for Gillingham as they secured two impressive victories.
The first a 3-2 win over MK Dons and then a 3-1 win over Ipswich Town on Saturday with Tom O’Conor playing a pivotal role in both.
In League Two Jake Hesketh and Crawley Town had a week of mixed fortunes, securing a 1-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers but falling to a 3-1 defeat at Morecambe.
