Fulham player ratings from 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace – Mitrovic justifies recall to starting line-up
Fulham rounded off their home Premier League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace.
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice for the Whites.
Here are Richard Cawley’s player ratings from Craven Cottage.
BERND LENO – 6
The German did not have much to do before making a diving save to his right to save a Michael Olise free-kick in the second half. Stood little chance with Odsonne Edouard’s opening goal for Palace and also did make an initial reaction save to deny Joel Ward before the defender followed up to make it 2-2.
Picture : Keith Gillard
KENNY TETE – 6
Had his hands full with Jordan Ayew and it was a good battle. Had a few moments where he broke forward well but did not find end product with his crossing. Made an excellent covering run for one Palace attack that helped put Eberechi Eze off as he tried to race through. Made the most tackles (six) of any player on the pitch.
TOSIN – 6
Mixed bag for the Fulham centre-back. At times he looked commanding, but at times he also looked shaky. Booked for timewasting and then made a risky challenge on Edouard. If he hadn’t already been cautioned then it was a definite yellow.
Picture : Keith Gillard
ISSA DIOP – 6
When Palace put the pressure on then he was panicked and there was a danger of an own goal in the first half before the Whites managed to unconvincingly clear their lines. Didn’t dominate aerially.
Picture : Keith Gillard
ANTONEE ROBINSON – 6
Largely did well against Michael Olise and produced a number of his strong, surging runs down the left wing. Again, like with Tete, there wasn’t that telling final ball that created something. Booked for a foul on Eze.
JOAO PALHINHA- 7
Made two excellent challenges inside the first 90 seconds and then needed to be absolutely perfect with a sliding tackle to snuff out Eze’s threat on the edge of the box. But seemed to get frustrated at Fulham’s lack of control in the closing stages of the second half. Cautioned for a foul on Ayew to prevent a counter and then made a couple more infringements that put him at risk of a second yellow.
HARRISON REED – 6
Hustle and bustle from the Fulham midfielder. Solid but unspectacular performance.
Picture : Keith Gillard
WILLIAN – 7
Definitely Fulham’s most eye-catching performer. The Brazilian is just a joy to watch with his touch, balance, pace and eye for the spectacular. Produced a deft turn to evade Olise at one stage and on 67 minutes a counter saw him come inside and send a lovely strike destined for the top right corner of the net, Sam Johnstone pulling off an excellent tip over. Whipped in the free-kick for Mitrovic’s second of the afternoon.
TOM CAIRNEY – 6
Fulham’s number 10 was not able to produce a dominate display, so often he is the heartbeat of his side when they are in possession. Replaced by Manor Solomon after 80 minutes.
HARRY WILSON – 6
Has been in fine form of late but he had the fewest touches of any of the home team’s attacking players who started. The Wales international was fouled by Tyrick Mitchell inside the box, Mitrovic dispatching the penalty. Replaced by Bobby Decordova-Reid late on.
Picture : Keith Gillard
ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC – 7
First start since his served his lengthy suspension and he justified Marco Silva’s selection ahead of Carlos Vinicius. Was left with a bloody nose after an early clash with Joachim Andersen, the former Fulham man catching him with a flailing arm. Has had his spot-kick issues in the top flight but emphatically beat Sam Johnstone and it was his ball over the top that had led to the foul on Wilson. Failed to find the target at the back post early in the second half but then produced a bullet header after being given way too much freedom to meet Willian’s deadball delivery.
SUBS:
MANOR SOLOMON – 5
The Israeli international was brought on for the final 10 minutes to try and wrest some momentum back in Fulham’s favour but, if anything, the changes weakened the west Londoners. Will be interesting to see if Fulham try and sign the winger permanently in the summer. It looked a certainty a few months back, before Harry Wilson usurped him in the starting line up.
BOBBY DECORDOVA-REID – 5
Another late sub and did not have time to do anything of real note.
MAREK RODAK – NA
SHANE DUFFY – NA
NEESKENS KEBANO – NA
CEDRIC SOARES – NA
SASA LUKIC – NA
CARLOS VINICIUS – NA
LUKE HARRIS – NA
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