Fulham player ratings from 2-1 win over Norwich in EFL Cup – Iwobi delivers on full debut but another new signing has off night

Fulham progressed to the fourth round of the EFL Cup for just the second time in nine seasons courtesy of a 2-1 home win against Norwich City tonight.

Goals from Carlos Vinicius and Alex Iwobi ensured the Whites progressed despite substitute Borja Sainz pulling a late goal back for the Championship side.

Here are Dan Evans’s player ratings from Craven Cottage.

Marek Rodak – 7 

 Spent most of the evening with little to do but was alert when called into action. Made one particular good save in the first half from Ui-Jo Hwang at a time when Fulham looked destined to concede on the counter-attack. There was very little he could do about Borja Sainz’s breakaway goal.

Timothy Castagne – 5 

Was exposed more than once by Norwich winger Przemyslaw Placheta in the first half and struggled to deal with the visitors’ pace on the counter-attack. Was once again assured on the ball but his lack of athleticism on the evening will perhaps worry Marco Silva.

Issa Diop – 7 

Stepped up as the leader of the back four for most of the night and looked assured. His three tackles meant he made more than any of his team-mates. Was unfortunate that a big challenge in the build-up did not halt Norwich’s goal.

Calvin Bassey – 5 

Will always be a tough task to fill in for Tim Ream in the heart of the defence, and this was a nervy showing from the summer signing. Made a hash of clearances on more than one occasion that nearly played his team into trouble and his passing lacked the composure of the USA international. Replaced by Ream with just under 10 minutes to play.

Fode Ballo-Toure – 7 

A promising Fulham debut for the defender on loan from AC Milan. He was not overly troubled defending the left flank and made the most of opportunities to bomb forward and link up with Willian. Could have done with taking more time with his final delivery but certainly showed enough that he can be a capable option at left back. Replaced by Robinson with just over 20 to play.

Tom Cairney – 8 

With the amount of space that Norwich offered Fulham in midfield for much of this game, the Fulham skipper was allowed to shine. He picked out a number of delightful passes in the first half and delivered a number of dangerous set pieces that could have easily led to goals.

Joao Palhinha – 7 

Was perhaps a bit of a surprise to not see Fulham’s talisman given a rest following a hectic start to the season. Rarely put a foot wrong, but had plenty of work to do when Norwich counter-attacked due to Marco Silva’s attacking selections in midfield.

Harry Wilson – 7 

Floated in and out of the game but did deliver a couple of lovely crosses from the right wing. Linked well with Iwobi and often switched positions with his new team-mate to great effect.

Alex Iwobi – 9 

A great full debut for the former Arsenal man as he set up the opener for Vinicius before finding the net himself with a well-placed strike after the interval. Was heavily involved in Fulham’s attacks from a central position and showed he could make a good alternative to Andreas Pereira going forward.

Willian – 7 

Followed up an influential showing at Palace by showing more flashes of his quality throughout this one. His five key passes were more than any other player on the pitch, and he linked up well with Ballo-Toure. Replaced by De Cordova-Reid in the closing stages.

Carlos Vinicius – 7 

This was quite close to what can surely now be considered a typical Carlos Vinicius performance. He was in the right place at the right time once more to touch home his fifth goal in seven games but was largely ineffective otherwise. Missed a glorious opportunity when set up by Wilson in the second half.

Subs: 

Antonee Robinson – 8 

Made more than decisive intervention defensively after being introduced. Ballo-Toure may have given a good audition to play left-back but Robinson showed why the shirt is his to lose

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – NA 

Rodrigo Muniz – NA 

Had a great chance to settle the game with a late header but was otherwise uninvolved.

Tim Ream – NA