With the teams around us dropping points, this game was an opportunity to finally move away from the relegation zone. A poor display again means that opportunity was not taken, and Igor Tudor is still searching for his first point.
GK Guglielmo Vicario
As we have often seen, particularly this season, Vicario struggled to command his area on corners and crosses. Did not face many shots on target apart from the two goals. Did make a good save in a one-on-one situation. Rating: 5
RB Pedro Porro
A limited performance but still a welcome return to the side. Provided plenty of energy and better balance on the right-hand side. Still too many of his crosses or attacking passes lead only to opposition clearances. Found it more difficult defensively as the game became stretched in the second half. Rating: 5
LB Archie Gray
A surprising choice at left back as Gray does not look comfortable there. Too often got lost with diagonal balls and players getting in behind him. Was fortunate not to lose possession more often in dangerous areas. Had a better second half and provided a good cross for Richarlison’s goal. Rating: 5
CB Micky van de Ven
A game to forget for Micky as he struggled with long balls, too often letting them bounce before attempting to clear. Also seemed caught out of position more often than usual. Lost possession frequently when dribbling out from the back, although this was likely not helped by the extreme lack of options and movement ahead of him. Rating: 4
CB Radu Drăgușin
Does have a fair complaint for the first goal, particularly given the incident with Muani and Gabriel last week, however Drăgușin rarely looked comfortable today. Was beaten in the air far too easily and, like van de Ven, was dragged out of position frequently. Rating: 4
CM Conor Gallagher
Too easy to play through and too slow in possession to attack. Unable to close down Alex Iwobi, particularly. Gallagher did get in for a chance in the second half but looked unsure whether to pass or shoot and did neither effectively. Midfield was a real weakness in general as Fulham dominated, but Gallagher looked particularly off the pace. Rating: 3
CM João Palhinha
Has played much better than this so far this season but at least was his usual self in terms of his commitment and willingness to tackle. Had a better second half against his former club but not enough to get us on top at any point. Rating: 5
CM Yves Bissouma
Similar to Palhinha, Bissouma was better in the second half but was too easy to play through. Also struggled to close players down when needed. Rating: 4
AM Xavi Simons
No impact from Xavi in this game. Had improved in recent weeks but did not get into the game at all before being substituted. Rating: 2
CF Dominic Solanke
Was more effective in the first half where he held the ball up and battled well, sometimes in a deeper role than we usually see. Very little service wherever he moved to on the pitch, and less involved in the second half. Should have got closer to Iwobi for the second goal. Rating: 4
CF Randal Kolo Muani
Made some good runs, particularly into the channels and got through in the first half only to have a shot blocked. Mostly, however, he seemed to be half a yard away from getting onto the ball, whatever he tried, despite plenty of effort. Rating: 4
Substitutes: Richarlison, Mathys Tel, Pape Matar Sarr, Souza, Kevin Danso
Richarlison, Tel, and Sarr all had a positive impact on the game after coming on. Richarlison pulled a goal back and led the line reasonably well, which is something he has struggled with for most of this season. Sarr had a decent chance to equalize and got into some good positions going forward. Tel, who was clearly a player unhappy under Thomas Frank, injected a bit of energy and directness to our play. He played a big part in Richarlison’s goal and started several other attacking moves. Souza came on late and at least got forward on the left-hand side. Danso came on even later, but I hope both are selected to start in our next game. Ratings: Richarlison (6), Tel (6), Sarr (5), Souza (5), Danso (N/A)