Fulham player ratings from 3-1 win over Sheffield United – Willian looks back to his best while Palhinha once again dominates midfield

Fulham got back to winning ways with a deserved 3-1 win against struggling Sheffield United.

A flurry of second-half goals saw Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Willian both find the net either side of a Wes Foderingham own goal after an Antonee Robinson own goal had drawn the visitors level.

 Here are Dan Evans’ player ratings from Craven Cottage.

 Bernd Leno – 6

 Barely had anything to do all afternoon, making just two saves and both were comfortable catches from soft Oli McBurnie headers. Nothing he could have done about Robinson’s own goal.

Timothy Castagne – 6

Another who was rarely troubled for much of the 90 minutes as Sheffield United struggled to threaten the Fulham defence. Went about his business with minimal fuss though and continues to be a capable stand-in for Kenny Tete.

Issa Diop – 5

Had a good game until the incident leading up to the Sheffield United goal. Won the majority of his aerial duels while making a number of good tackles and interceptions. May be slightly harsh to blame him for the equaliser as he pulled up injured, but giving the ball away in such a dangerous area and leaving the defence a man light proved costly. Replaced by Calvin Bassey straight after the goal.

Tim Ream – 7

 A good showing from the centre-back following his nightmare against Chelsea last time out. Was back to his best in possession and also contributed three tackles as he dominated his individual battle with McBurnie. A fine way to mark his 300th Fulham appearance.

 Antonee Robinson – 5

Another who was having a good time of it until the Sheffield United equaliser. Was in the wrong place at the wrong time in turning home a Yasser Larouci cross but probably should have sorted his feet out to deal with it better. Was a constant attacking threat in the first half as he bombed down the left flank but faded after the interval.

Alex Iwobi – 6

Played a big part in Fulham’s fast start to the game as he combined well with Andreas Pereira and orchestrated attacks from his role in the centre of the park. Was perhaps guilty of overplaying at times but his ability in possession brings a new dimension to Fulham’s midfield.

Joao Palhinha – 7

A typically assured performance from Fulham’s midfield enforcer. Was arguably given a harder task than usual with the adventurous duo of Iwobi and Pereira stationed in midfield alongside him but did not seem flustered. Once again finished the game having made more tackles (seven) than any other player on the pitch. Only mistake was a rash challenge on McBurnie which earned him a booking.

Andreas Pereira – 7

Guilty of missing a great chance to open the scoring at the end of the first half and was at times wasteful as Fulham tried to break down Sheffield United’s resistance. Found the perfect pass for De Cordova-Reid to open the scoring early in the second half and showed signs of building a good understanding with Iwobi. Replaced by Tom Cairney in the aftermath of Sheffield United’s equaliser.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – 7

Probably the quietest of Fulham’s attacking players but took the opening goal of the game expertly as he slid a shot beyond Foderingham on the break. Combined well with Vinicius on more than one occasion and typically never stopped making runs to try and threaten the opposition. Replaced by Harry Wilson after 78 minutes.

Willian – 8

Appears to be getting back to his best and looked to be Fulham’s most likely source of a goal throughout. It finally came in second half injury-time to wrap up the game as his powerful shot proved too much for Foderingham to hold on to. Was another who benefitted from the focal point provided by Vinicius and also registered three key passes.

Carlos Vinicius – 7

Failed to find the net after finally being given a start in the Premier League but was heavily involved in most of Fulham’s attacking play. Linked well with team-mates throughout and his physicality caused problems for the Sheffield United backline. Replaced by Rodrigo Muniz in the final 15 minutes but showed enough to perhaps make a starting spot his own in the coming weeks.

SUBS

Calvin Bassey – 7

Came on to the pitch in a difficult situation as he replaced the stricken Diop just after Sheffield United had pulled level, but was composed despite playing on his less-favoured right side of the centre-back pairing and did not offer the visitors any sniff of a route back into the game.

Tom Cairney – 7

Was called upon for creative inspiration just after Fulham had seen their lead disappear and delivered in unusual circumstances. His looping shot went in off Foderingham to put the Whites back in front but he did breathe new life into his side’s attacking play in the final half hour.

Harry Wilson – 7

Another who was bright off the bench, almost getting on the scoresheet with a 25-yard rocket that came back off the post.

Harrison Reed – 6

Helped to steady the ship after Fulham were back in front.

Rodrigo Muniz – 6

A bright cameo from the striker. He was busy just like Vinicius and caused a few problems in the Sheffield United box.