Player ratings from Fulham’s 4-0 defeat to Manchester City – Whites attackers fail to trouble Premier League title-chasers

Fulham were unable to have a meaningful say in the Premier League title race after losing 4-0 at home to Manchester City today.

The west Londoners have lost their last 13 matches against the Pep Guardiola’s side.

Here are Richard Cawley’s ratings for the Fulham players.

Bernd Leno – 6

Never going to be an easy afternoon for the German goalkeeper, who produced some unconvincing control off his knee from a Calvin Bassey passback which luckily went unpunished. Made a number of saves to keep City out – a couple from Bernardo Silva and a smart one to his right to deny substitute Jeremy Doku. Little he could do about any of the goals.

Timothy Castagne – 4

The Belgian is normally a reliable outlet for the Whites but, along with his team-mates, never truly looked comfortable. Not helped by an early pass into touch under no pressure. Doku came on in the closing stages to cap off a difficult afternoon.

Issa Diop – 5

A real mixed back from the big centre-back, who made a couple of key blocks inside his penalty area. Was too static as Josko Gvardiol glided inside to slot home City’s opening goal of the afternoon. Booked for one too many shirt-tugs on Erling Haaland and then was shown a second yellow card – and subsequent red – for bringing down Julian Alvarez in the box late on, with the Argentinian striker then stepping up to convert the fourth goal.

Calvin Bassey – 6

Completed the most passes of any Fulham player – 66 – and was one of the few who stayed composed in possession with City relentlessly pressing.

Antonee Robinson – 5

Had his hands full with Bernardo Silva and his decision to try and intercept a pass to the Manchester City midfielder was unsuccessful in the lead up to the visitors making it 2-0. Booked for a foul on Rico Lewis. Rarely able to drive into attacking areas.

Joao Palhinha – 5

Made 10 tackles – easily the most of any player on the pitch – but was made to look leaden-footed and sluggish at times by the slick interplay he was trying to snuff out. Crunching challenge on Silva in the second half, but the ball ended up falling for a clinical Phil Foden to score.

Bobby Decordova-Reid – 3

Seemed to almost be a back five for Fulham in the early stages with Decordova-Reid on the far left but only Rodrigo Muniz (nine) had fewer than his 15 touches. Replaced at the break by Tom Cairney.

Alex Iwobi – 4

Fulham’s attacking players struggled to put a dent in City and the former Everton and Arsenal man did not buck that trend. Did make one surging run down the right and supplied a decent cross, but Ruben Dias met the ball before Muniz.

Willian – 3

The second of two half-time switches by Fulham head coach Marco Silva. Hard to remember anything remotely notable from the Brazilian.

Andreas Pereira – 3

Can I just copy what I said about Willian? Did not make a note of any attacking contribution from the South American before his afternoon of underwhelming work was ended after 74 minutes.

Rodrigo Muniz – 4

Had Fulham’s one and only effort on target, a flick on Adama Traore’s cross, on 57 minutes. Home fans were unhappy that referee Anthony Taylor did not penalise City more for fouls but, in truth, the young striker failed to physically impose himself. His task was not made easier by a lack of support behind him in the final third. Isolated.

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Tom Cairney – 3

The rating says it all. Can often be relied upon to conduct Fulham’s play and set the tempo. Never happened today.

Adama Traore – 4

Had an impact at Brentford last weekend but had just 11 touches in the second 45 minutes at Craven Cottage. One early run at Gvardiol but his cross strayed out of play.

Armando Broja – 3

The stats shows he touched the ball five times but offered nothing after his introduction. Also looked as if he should have been picking up Gvardiol for the City left-back’s second goal.

Harry Wilson – 3

Played the last 16 minutes. That’s about all there is to say.