A defeat in new manager Rene Meulensteen’s first match in charge was a sickening blow for Fulham, who deserved better. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-1 loss against Tottenham.
Maarten Stekelenburg: 8
The Dutchman made a number of saves, the pick of the bunch being an excellent stop to deny Erik Lamela.
Sascha Riether: 6
Below par prior to his recent suspension, Riether did better on his return to the side but is still trying to recapture his best form. Competed well on a tough night for him on the right-hand side.
Philippe Senderos: 7
A fine last-ditch intervention to deny Jermain Defoe was the highlight of a credible showing from the much-maligned defender, who had some shaky moments but stuck to his task and did well enough.
Aaron Hughes: 7
Another who wasn’t always convincing but, on balance, did a good job against the threat of a Defoe and co, bar a spell late in the first half when Spurs cut through the Fulham defence with alarming ease and should have scored.
John Arne Riise: 6
Recalled by the new boss when it seemed he may well have played his last game for Fulham. Riise was clearly determined to make a point and started well enough, but found the going tough as the game wore on. Aaron Lennon got the better of him in the second half.
Ashkan Dejagah: 8
The Iranian winger was a threat to Spurs before and after putting his team ahead with a cracking finish. His brand of pace and directness has been sorely lacking in Fulham’s performances this season and his return was a welcome one.
Giorgos Karagounis: 8
Might have struggled against a team that tend to move the ball around quickly. Instead, the veteran midfielder used his experience and technical ability to great effect, linking play nicely and putting a foot in when needed. He was also unlucky not to score and thoroughly deserved the standing ovation he received when he went off in the second half.
Scott Parker: 7
Calm and solid in midfield against his former club and helped Fulham get a foothold in the game after an end-to-end start.
Alex Kacaniklic: 7
Not everything went his way but the young Swede never gave up. Constantly looked to receive the ball and run at his full-back. Offered Riise good defensive cover too.
Pajtim Kasami: 7
Drifted in and out of the game but did create openings, not least when almost setting up a goal for Dimitar Berbatov in the first half. And he was unlucky not to score a late equaliser.
Dimitar Berbatov: 8
Excellent on his return to the side. Missed a couple of good chances in the first half and ultimately that proved costly, but the apparently unsettled forward put in his most impressive and committed performance for some time. His movement and link-up play worried the Spurs defence from start or finish.
Steve Sidwell: 6
Didn’t find it easy to get into the game after coming on. Did the basics well enough but Karagounis was missed.
Tottenham
Fulham were unlucky, but Spurs dug in when the home side were on top and they did show real quality on the counter-attack and missed good chances to score, especially in the first half. The scoreline certainly flattered them though.
Man of the match
Berbatov
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This post was last modified on 05/12/2013