Player ratings from Fulham’s 3-2 win against Wolves – Willian is the penalty king as Iwobi and Cairney excel alongside him in midfield
A late Willian penalty earned Marco Silva’s side the win after the visitors had twice equalised following Alex Iwobi’s opener and an earlier spot-kick from the Brazilian.
Here are Dan Evans’ player ratings from Craven Cottage.
Bernd Leno – 6
Not a great deal he could have done about either goal and dealt with everything else that came his way fairly comfortably. Ended up making four saves but none of them were spectacular. Was robbed of possession in his own box by Mario Lemina in the first half but spared embarrassment by a Calvin Bassey clearance.
Timothy Castagne – 6
Linked well with Iwobi in Fulham’s great start but was not at his best defensively, making more than one error that almost allowed Wolves in on goal had it not been for the interventions of team-mates. Still managed to make four interceptions and three tackles though, further cementing his place in the side despite Kenny Tete’s return from injury.
Calvin Bassey – 7
Played excellently until his awkward header set Wolves up to equalise from the penalty spot. Now looks comfortable playing on the right side as a left footer and bailed out both Castagne and Leno after they had almost set Wolves up for two separate chances. Hard to see how he loses his place in the team anytime soon given how well he has performed since that difficult night at Tottenham.
Tim Ream – 6
Not the centre-back’s finest showing as he conceded the penalty that allowed Wolves to equalise in the second half. There was not a great deal he could do after Bassey’s misplaced header but his challenge on Hwang was clumsy at best. Still made two tackles and two interceptions.
Antonee Robinson – 7
Something of a return to form for the left-back after some below-par showings. Picked up an assist for Iwobi’s goal and linked well with Willian throughout. Could have made more of a couple of decent positions to cross but ended the night with two tackles and two interceptions.
Harrison Reed – 6
Always had big shoes to fill stepping into Palhinha’s role at the base of midfield and struggled at times. Gave away possession more than once to put Fulham in trouble but raised his game in the second half to limit Wolves’ opportunities to counter.
Tom Cairney – 8
Was actually fairly quiet in the first half aside from a shot saved by Sa from the edge of the box before excelling after the break. A determined tackle and run helped to win the first penalty and he was able to dictate play as Fulham searched for the late winner. Will surely keep his place in the team on the basis of some of his passes alone.
Alex Iwobi – 9
Has been desperate to play in a central role since arriving at Craven Cottage but was fantastic on the right wing in this one. Switched positions regularly with Pereira in the first half and did well to start and finish the move for the game’s opening goal. Adds a different element to Fulham’s attacks with his dribbling.
Andreas Pereira – 6
One of several who excelled early on before fading. Looked far more comfortable with Iwobi to his right rather than alongside him in midfield, and almost set Jimenez up for an early goal with an intelligent run down the flank. Replaced by Harry Wilson as Fulham chased a winner in the final 15 minutes.
Willian – 8
Turned out to be the Fulham hero with two coolly taken penalties in the second half that ultimately decided the game in his side’s favour. Was probably one of the quieter attackers on the night but did play a lovely pass into the path of Robinson to set up Iwobi’s opener.
Raul Jimenez – 6
Looked set to have one of his better games since arriving in west London from Wolves in the summer as a key part of Fulham’s promising start but faded as the game progressed. Had a decent chance to make it 2-0 from a tight angle but was denied by Sa. Hard to know if the first 10 minutes were a sign of better things to come or if the hour or so that followed suggest the Mexican will continue to struggle. Replaced by Carlos Vinicius following Wolves’ second equaliser.
Subs:
Harry Wilson – 7
Had another significant impact off the bench as he won the late penalty that allowed Willian to decide the game. Was busy and involved at other times as well, meaning Silva will find it hard to leave him on the bench going forward.
Carlos Vinicius – 6
Was busy as usual but never really picked up the pace of the game. Perhaps lucky to only see yellow after clashing heads with Max Kilman.
Tosin Adarabioyo – NA
Sasa Lukic – NA