Brentford v Fulham player ratings
Fulham got the better of Brentford in the west London derby at Griffin Park. Here’s how we rated the players in the Whites’ 1-0 win.
Brentford
Dan Bentley: 7
Kept the Bees in it with some sharp first-half saves and good handling in the area, but was unable to deny Aluko for Fulham’s first goal.
Maxime Colin: 5
An unremarkable night. Did little wrong, by and large, but not able to get in any telling crosses to support the second-half fightback.
Harlee Dean: 6
Booked for a late tackle as the Bees chased the game. Typically robust in the challenge and wholehearted throughout.
John Egan: 6
Mostly put in a good shift. Not his fault Brentford were exposed on the break as the players in front chased the game.
Andreas Bjelland: 5
Had a torrid evening dealing with the tireless running of Sone Aluko, who was in inspired form.
Josh Clarke: 7
Spurned a great chance when gifted a clear run on goal on the hour – forcing a fine save from David Button. But looked the man most likely for the hosts. Fired at the keeper from an angle after another burst down the right.
Nico Yannaris: 5
Not the best night for the midfielder. In common with his team-mates in general, found it difficult to impose himself as he usually does.
Josh McEachran: 5
Disappointing. Struggled to make an impact and was frequently overrun in midfield. Replaced in the second-half by the lively Sullay Kaikai, who did well.
Ryan Woods: 5
A frustrating evening. A couple of misplaced passes towards the end summed up his and Brentford’s night.
Romaine Sawyers: 5
After last week’s heroics at QPR, he didn’t get going this time, never really posing the kind of threat of which he is capable.
Scott Hogan: 5
Not given many opportunities to make a difference. Was flagged offside in his one dangerous moment in the second half but did not get the service he needed.
Fulham
David Button: 7
The Whites keeper had surprisingly little to do against his old club, but made a crucial save just past the hour to deny Clarke.
Ryan Fredericks: 7
Had a very good first half going forward and a decent second half when he had more to do as the Bees rallied in search of an equaliser.
Tomas Kalas: 7
The on-loan Chelsea defender kept Hogan under wraps well and was good on the ball during the away side’s impressive spells of possession.
Ragnar Sigurdsson: 6
No-nonsense display and stood firm in the second half.
Scott Malone: 7
Always willing to bomb forward to spark attacks and fired just off target with a typical late surge towards the opposition box.
Kevin McDonald: 7
A tireless display. His workmanlike contribution was an important factor in Fulham’s drives forward and their solidity at the back when it mattered.
Stefan Johansen: 6
The gloved Norwegian assisted in the first Fulham goal and was a tidy performer throughout, even if his influence waned a little as the game wore on.
Tom Cairney: 9
An oasis of calm and precision passing amid the mayhem. Sure-footed and set the tone for the visitors with his vision and ability to look after the ball. Rounded off a fine night’s work with calm finish to seal the win.
Lucas Piazon: 5
Missed a sitter at the end of the first half when he failed to readjust his feet following up on a parried Cairney effort. Floyd Ayite came on for him with 20 minutes to go and held the ball up well.
Sone Aluko: 8
Full of energy and desire and always looked capable of unsettling the home defence with his positivity. Scored the all-important opener and curled a second-half effort just over the bar.
Chris Martin: 6
Led the line well for Fulham, albeit rarely suggesting he might add to his goal tally for the season, but still claimed an assist for Cairney for the second.
