Player Ratings: Brighton 1-1 Fulham

Sammy looks at each player in Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion and assesses their performance.

A very impressive point at the Amex and our unbeaten record against Brighton in the top flight is still in tact. Here’s some thoughts on who fared well and who didn’t down on the South Coast.

Bernd Leno – 8

Another good performance from Bernd with several good stops to deny the seagulls. Nothing he could really have done about Ferguson’s opener, which was well finished. God knows how many we’d have conceded this season without him in goal.

Antonee Robinson – 7

A game of highs and lows for Robinson. Got caught the wrong side of Evan Ferguson for the goal, and made some glaring errors in the first half that could so easily have lead to goals, however, going forward his impact is brilliant, and his goal-line clearance at the death saved us a point, and certainly upped his rating by a score or two.

Tim Ream – 7

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Assured from Tim who always looked fairly comfortable with what Brighton threw at him. Did some great defensive work in the final 10 minutes to stop the seagulls’ onslaught

Calvin Bassey – 6

Much better from Calvin, but he obviously isn’t comfortable on that right-foot. In this game he mitigated his weakness much better, but it’s clear that this position isn’t natural.

Timothy Castagne – 5

Not the best from Timmy Chestnuts, who was given a torrid first half by Mitoma and Lallana. Improved as the game went on, but that first half frailty could have seen Brighton out of sight by half-time if they were more ruthless

Harrison Reed – 5

Harrison was back in the team for Sasa Lukic and I’m not sure it was the right call. Felt like he gave the ball away alot, and it was his misplaced pass that lead to Brighton’s opener. Found some good space on the right side as he often does, but this wasn’t a vintage Harrison Reed display

Joao Palhinha – 8

Another brilliant game from Joao, who was just everywhere – and of course, topped off with that fantastic goal – which from the stands you knew it was in from the moment it left his boot. It could have been very different if he’d have been punished for the elbow on Pascal Gross, but he wasn’t and therefore he was able to boss the midfield like he always does.

Alex Iwobi – 8.5 Man of the Match

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Seriously impressive display from Alex, who has been a revelation since signing from Everton. Drives with the ball brilliantly, makes smart decisions and is immensely skillful. Loved seeing him in the 10 role, but also his versatility in being able to also play at number 8 and at left-wing makes him incredibly useful to this team. Has to keep his place in the starting XI.

Willian – 4

I don’t know what’s happened to Willian, but it does not look like we have the same player as last season. Lost the ball so much and just can’t seem to make the same kind of impact that he did last season.

Bobby De Cordova Reid – 5.5

Bobby was ok, but just one of those games where he struggled to make any impact from out wide. Personally I think it’s time to give him a run up top. Best finisher we have at the club right now. Would then free up the right-hand side for Harry Wilson.

Raul Jimenez – 4

Ah man – I’m desperate for this to work, but I just don’t know if it will. Raul barely got a sniff yesterday out of Lewis Dunk and was overshadowed by Rodrigo Muniz’s cameo. So low on confidence, and I’m not sure that one goal will fix that.

SUBS

Rodrigo Muniz – 7

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Yes Rodrigo! He may not be the most skilful of Brazillian exports, but my word he runs about. Lewis Dunk was getting all sorts of bother from the big man and had that backheel gone in, the away end would have evaporated in delirium. Start him against Ipswich and let him cook.

Andreas Pereira – 7

Decent cameo from Andreas, who will no doubt have been hurt to lose his cherished number 10 slot that has been permanently his since joining. Came on and looked fired up, although his set pieces left a bit to be desired.

Harry Wilson – 7.5

Another decent appearance from Harry, who gave Igor plenty of issues on that right-hand side. Feels a waste to leave a player of his ability on the bench

Tom Cairney – 6.5

Didn’t really get much ball-time

Sasa Lukic – N/A

Barely was on the pitch long enough to do anything,.