Fulham emerged victorious after an impressive Championship showing against Aston Villa. Here’s how Slaviša Jokanović’s players rated during their 3-1 win.
Fulham’s Marcus Bettinelli celebrates after Ryan Sessegnon scores their first goal
GK: Marcus Bettinelli (6/10) – Aside from a comfortable first half save from a long range Gary Gardner shot, Bettinelli was hardly tested. The early sending off of Villa’s Jonathan Kodjia contributed to a fairly trouble-free afternoon for the former England under-21 stopper.
RB: Ryan Fredericks (8/10) – The impressive Fredericks was at the centre of many of Fulham’s right sided attacks, was involved in the sending off of Villa’s Kodjia – an incident possibly worthy of a caution for the Fulham man – and denied a certain Tommy Elphick goal with a goal-line block. An all-action display from the 24-year-old full back.
CB: Tomas Kalas (7/10) – Marshalled Fulham’s defensive unit with ease – particularly helped by Kodjia’s absence beyond the 20-minute mark. Alongside central defensive partner Tim Ream, Kalas presented a close to impenetrable rear guard.
Fulham’s Ryan Fredericks in action with Aston Villa’s Jordan Amavi
CB: Tim Ream (8/10) – Almost scored on the brink of half time, but drilled a left footed attempt just wide of Sam Johnstone’s post. The American posed a threat from many a set piece and showed decent distribution with the ball at his feet.
LB: Scott Malone (8/10) – The 26-year-old put forth a superb display from left back, where Malone’s first thought consistently appeared to be a forward thinking one. Malone certainly got the upper hand over Villa’s right flank, in tandem with the talented Ryan Sessegnon, throughout the contest. Surprisingly substituted during the second half for the adventurous Neeskens Kebano (8/10), who scored the third Fulham goal.
Fulham’s Neeskens Kebano celebrates scoring their third goal
CM: Kevin McDonald (8/10) – Formed an excellent central trio alongside Stefan Johansen and Tom Cairney, the 28-year-old McDonald appeared to dictate the tempo of the midfield quagmire. A standout, albeit unsung, display from the surprisingly uncapped Scottish midfielder.
CM: Stefan Johansen (7/10) – An effective and tidy performance from the Norway international, who provided the assist for Sone Aluko’s goal to put Fulham 2-1 ahead and appeared to cruise effortlessly through most of the encounter.
CM: Tom Cairney (8/10) – Fulham’s captain showed just why he is considered one of the Championship’s top midfield performers. Cairney was at the heart of most of Fulham’s positive plays throughout the game.
Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon celebrates scoring their first goal
FW: Ryan Sessegnon (9/10) – Still not old enough to be contracted to a professional deal, 16-year-old Sessegnon was superb against a Villa side packed with experienced performers. A fearless display from the in-demand wide man, culminating in the scoring of the game’s opening goal.
FW: Floyd Ayite (7/10) – The energetic Togo international caused Villa’s defence many problems with effective runs from deep and use of the ball when linking up with front man Aluko.
FW: Sone Aluko (7/10) – Showed great technique to convert a difficult cross and bag Fulham’s second goal of the game. Aluko may well have scored a further goal or two, had the 28-year-old been a little more decisive in the final third.
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