Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 20/12/23...

[bencher]

Player ratings: Everton 1-1 Fulham
Bernd Leno: The German's penalty heroics in front of the Gwladys Street End helped Fulham reached their first ever League Cup final when all seemed lost after Jordan Pickford saved from Bobby De Cordova-Reid. He was brave enough to stand still as Andre Onana jumped theatrically in his run-up and it paid off big time. 7

Kenny Tete: An excellent return to the first time for the Dutch full-back, who bombed forward impressively, and showed impressive match sharpness to keep Dwight McNeil quiet for much of the evening. Added to his decisive penalty against Spurs with another important spot-kick in this shoot-out as well. 7

Antonee Robinson: An outstanding return to Goodison Park for the man that Everton let go as a youngster. Robinson has excelled as an attacking outlet over the last month or so and created Fulham's goal here by flying up the left wing to provide another option at the end of a flowing move and tucked away his own penalty with aplomb too. 7

Tosin Adarabioyo: A colossal defensive display was rounded away with an impeccable penalty to send the Whites into the semi-finals. Tosin was immense at the heart of the Fulham back four, rendering the dangerous Dominic Calvert-Lewin utterly anonymous, and winning header after header as the home side piled on the pressure. The spot-kick writes his name into Fulham folklore – and hopefully he'll follow up by committing his future to the club. 9

Calvin Bassey: Those days when Bassey appeared a little edgy look long gone now. The Nigerian international was resilient as Everton pushed Fulham further and further back in the second period, competed well in the air and brought the ball out with confidence. You can see why the Whites felt he was an ideal fit for Marco Silva's system as they look to the post-Ream future, but the American veteran may find it hard to get back in the side after he recovers from a calf complaint. 7

Tosin Adarabioyo: 9

Joao Palhinha: Tenacious in the tackle as always, the Portuguese midfielder knitted the play together well and calmed things down in a number of tense moments for the visitors. His composure in the engine room counted for plenty as Everton began to dictate proceedings in the second period as well as after the equaliser when the Whites came again during seven minutes of stoppage time. Put away his penalty to keep Fulham in the tie. 7

Harrison Reed: A crucial selection ahead of Tom Cairney to match Everton's physicality in midfield, Reed delivered his most complete performance for a while. Nearly got on the end of a clever little flick from Rodrigo Muniz early on, but this was a night when the special one Iniesta's holding qualities and reading of the danger came to the fore. He covered plenty of ground and used the ball intelligently. 7

Willian: The Brazilian's ability to hold the ball in tight spaces and remain an outlet for Fulham even when they are under pressure is so important in giving the back four a breather, especially away from home. He was excellent here – especially given that Silva is managing his minutes after that hamstring tweak against West Ham United – and smartly utilised Antonee Robinson on the overlap for the goal. 7

Harry Wilson: The Welsh winger might not have made as eye-catching an impression as he did against the Hammers, but his energy and defensive discipline allied to ensure that the Whites weren't left light in midfield. Got through an awful lot of work of the ball and looked bright when on it – even if the rasping volley from the edge of the box in the second half didn't nestle in the top corner. 6

Alex Iwobi: Asked to float around the field behind Rodrigo Muniz on his first return to the blue half of Meresyside, Iwobi's work ethic was commendable and his vital early touches helped Fulham got a foothold in the contest. Faded a little as the home side ramped up the pressure after the interval, but he was always available and has been a real asset for Silva since coming into the side. 6

Rodrigo Muniz: Silva started the evening by snarling at the Brazilian centre forward for his reluctance to lead the press, but could only have marvelled at his hold-up play that created the goal. A tough evening against two physical centre halves, but Muniz acquitted himself admirably – especially in controlling a drilled ball from Wilson up his chest, holding off James Tarkowksi and playing a peach of a pass out to Willian in the blink of an eye. 7

Substitutes:

Tom Cairney: Kept the ball well after coming on for Willian just after the hour mark, but struggled to dictate the play as Everton pushed for an equaliser. Stepped up to take the second penalty and kept his nerve. 6

Bobby De Cordova-Reid: Could have notched another winner at Goodison this season in stoppage time but was denied by Nathan Patterson before almost setting up a chance for Carlos Vinicius. Saw his spot-kick saved by Pickford, but has never let Fulham down. 6

Andreas Pereira: Pereira's cameo as a late substitute was something of a disappointment as he failed to get up to the pace of the contest, but the Brazilian made light of all that by winning the battle of wills with Pickford at the start of the shoot-out. 6

Carlos Vinicius: Had little time to make an impact up front after being sent on in the aftermath of Everton's equaliser – but kept the Whites in the tie with a confident penalty. 6

Issa Diop: Fulham actually looked far more dangerous once Silva switched to three centre backs in the closing stages, which might make that system an option for the future. 6



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/player-ratings-everton-1-1-fulham/

These ratings feel more than a little generous in places. Had the lost 2 penalties gone the other way, I think some of these 7s would be 5s.

[sunburywhite]

 



Taxi!!

[Jim©]

Harry Wilson: The Welsh winger might not have made as eye-catching an impression as he did against the Hammers, but his energy and defensive discipline allied to ensure that the Whites weren't left light in midfield. Got through an awful lot of work of the ball and looked bright when on it – even if the rasping volley from the edge of the box in the second half didn't nestle in the top corner. 6

Alex Iwobi: Asked to float around the field behind Rodrigo Muniz on his first return to the blue half of Meresyside, Iwobi's work ethic was commendable and his vital early touches helped Fulham got a foothold in the contest. Faded a little as the home side ramped up the pressure after the interval, but he was always available and has been a real asset for Silva since coming into the side. 6


https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/12/player-ratings-everton-1-1-fulham/

These ratings feel more than a little generous in places. Had the lost 2 penalties gone the other way, I think some of these 7s would be 5s.
[/quote]

Agreed that they were a bit odd and high for some. Two players who i'd definitely give more to, were Wilson and Iwobi, who somehow got 6s!?!?