Fulham player ratings from 2-0 defeat to Tottenham – Bassey struggles as his pair of mistakes undermines determined defensive effort

Fulham once again tasted defeat in a derby as they were beaten 2-0 by Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night.

Calvin Bassey was guilty of giving the ball away in the build-up to goals by Heung-Min Son and James Maddison as the Whites rarely troubled the Spurs defence.

Here are Dan Evans’ player ratings.

Bernd Leno – 6

Made a vital save from Son at a time when Spurs’ early pressure could have made this a painful evening. Made several other straightforward stops and could have done little about either of the goals conceded. Perhaps guilty of putting Bassey under unnecessary pressure with a poor pass in the build-up to Maddison’s second-half strike.

Timothy Castagne – 6

A competent showing from the utility man as he continues to deputise well for Kenny Tete.  Burst forward to produce a nice cross that picked out Vinicius in the first half, and also made three interceptions as he competed well with Richarlison.

Calvin Bassey – 3

Gave the ball away in the build-up to both of the Tottenham goals and was bailed out by Tim Ream when he lost possession to Maddison with Spurs chasing a third. Made a couple of good blocks in the first half but never looked comfortable as a left-footer on the right of the centre-back pairing. Could prove to be an issue to solve for Marco Silva in the coming weeks with no return date yet given for the injured pair of Issa Diop and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Tim Ream – 6

Bailed out Bassey to prevent the scoreline becoming even more damaging and won a number of important headers in the first half to help calm the nerves after a high-octane start from the home side. Will seemingly need to be at his very best to help Bassey adjust to life in the Premier League.

Antonee Robinson – 6

Another who competed well as Fulham attempted to stifle the side that now sit top of the Premier League table. Made five interceptions and four tackles despite getting too little defensive support from Wilian in front of him. Even managed to bomb forward on a couple of occasions as Fulham began to settle in the first half.

Joao Palhinha – 7

Stood out yet again for Fulham with his defensive presence and was at times halting attacks all by himself. Finished with more tackles than any other player on the pitch (seven) once more and was presumably taken off in the final 10 minutes to get some rest for the tackles he will have to make in the future.

Sasa Lukic – 4

Not a spectacular return to the team for the Serbian midfielder as he registered fewer touches than Leno. Sometimes left Palhinha stranded in midfield as Spurs threatened to overwhelm the visitors early on. Replaced by Harrison Read with just under 20 minutes to play.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – 5

Was typically busy and won possession high up the pitch a couple of times during Fulham’s good spell midway through the first half but another who struggled to make an impact on a night when Fulham did not see much of the ball. Replaced by Harry Wilson in the final half hour.

Andreas Pereira – 4

Struggled to get involved in the game, managing just 20 touches before he was hooked at half-time. Was unable to capitalise on opportunities to counterattack when they presented themselves.

Willian – 4

Was the most involved of Fulham’s attacking players but constantly wasted opportunities to hurt the Tottenham backline during attacks. Had seemed to be getting back to his best before the most recent international break but this was a night to forget for the former Chelsea man.

Carlos Vinicius – 4

Was starved of the ball and easily marshalled by the Tottenham centre-backs on the occasions Fulham tried to play into his feet. Replaced by Jimenez at the interval as the battle to become first-choice striker continues to be something of a phoney war.

SUBS

Alex Iwobi – 5

Struggled to have the influence he had in his early Fulham cameos.

Raul Jimenez – 4

Missed a great chance to open his Fulham account after being picked out by Harry Wilson and was just as easily controlled by the Spurs defence as Vinicius.

Harry Wilson – 6

Found the lovely pass for Jimenez and was one of the few bright sparks for Fulham as they struggled to find a way back into the game. Wasted a late chance to score after taking too long to shoot.

Harrison Reed – 5

Had little influence on the game after replacing Lukic.

Tom Cairney – 6

Provided some attacking impetus from the bench to again stake his claim for more regular minutes in league fixtures.