Fulham player ratings from 1-0 win over Luton Town – Palhinha stamps his midfield authority as Willian the liveliest attacking outlet
Fulham registered their first home win of the new Premier League season with a 1-0 victory over struggling Luton Town.
A second-half strike from substitute Carlos Vinicius proved crucial on what looked set to be a frustrating afternoon for Marco Silva’s side.
Here are Dan Evans’s player ratings from Craven Cottage.
Bernd Leno – 7
Was largely untested throughout the 90 minutes but remained alert to push away an early effort from Tahith Chong and was on his toes to claim an Amari’I Bell effort in the second half which the full-back should have scored from.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Kenny Tete – 7
Dependable showing from the right-back. Missed a glorious opportunity after 20 minutes that could have made this a more comfortable afternoon for Fulham. A brilliant, late throughball to Vinicius should have been rewarded with an assist though.
Issa Diop – 6
Had a few nervy moments in possession and was at times guilty of losing concentration as Fulham went long spells without having to defend. Booked in the first half for a rash challenge as Luton began to threaten on the counter-attack.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Tim Ream – 7
The captain did not miss a beat at the heart of the defence. Three clearances and three blocks were evidence of a committed performance, but he also brilliantly won the ball back from Carlton Morris in the first half to stop a counter attack after he had initially given possession away.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Timothy Castagne – 7
A promising full debut for the Belgian as he slotted in comfortably after Antonee Robinson missed out due to a muscular injury. Only ventured forward a la Robinson occasionally but finished the afternoon having made four tackles and one interception as he helped stifle Luton breakaways.
Harrison Reed – 6
A quiet showing for the less-heralded member of Fulham’s midfield pairing. Made a couple of good runs in the first half to stretch a packed Luton defence but was unable to provide much more to try and break the deadlock. Tidy in possession but replaced by Iwobi on 62 minutes as Fulham chased a winner.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Joao Palhinha – 7
Back in the team and was at his destructive best on almost every occasion Luton looked to break away. Fortunate to escape a booking in the first half just before Jacob Brown hit the post for the visitors, yet remained as composed as ever in the final stages to see home the win. Finished the game having made six tackles – as many as any other player on the pitch.
Harry Wilson – 6
Started brightly in the first half, coming in off the right flank to play a couple of lovely passes with his left foot and regularly threatened from set-pieces. Became less involved as the game wore on though, and was replaced on 80 minutes.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Andreas Pereira – 6
Struggled to influence the game in the first half as Luton sat deep and rarely offered space between their midfield and attack. Was brighter after the break, and was replaced on 80 minutes having made four key passes.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Willian – 8
Was Fulham’s most lively attacker in a dour first half, providing cutting passes and dangerous crosses. Was ultimately responsible for the breakthrough as his cross was spilled to Vinicius by Thomas Kaminski, although one of his earlier deliveries should have been rewarded. Replaced in stoppage time.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Raul Jimenez – 4
A difficult afternoon for the striker. Came into the game having scored three for Mexico on international duty and was always a willing runner, but he has now gone 28 Premier League games without a goal. Was comfortably marshalled by Luton’s Tom Lockyer, winning just one of 10 duels before he was replaced by Vinicius on 62 minutes.
Subs:
Alex Iwobi – 7
A promising first appearance in Fulham colours. Brought energy to a game that was falling desperately flat with his dribbling and willingness to play forward. Will surely be hoping for a starting berth soon enough.
Picture : Keith Gillard
Carlos Vinicius – 7
His winning goal was fortunate following Kaminski’s error but he was crucially in the right place at the right time to strike – something that Jimenez did not look likely to achieve. Has done his chances of becoming the regular striker no harm.
Tom Cairney – NA
Bobby De Cordova-Reid – NA
Calvin Bassey – NA
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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