Fulham v WBA player ratings
Dimitar Berbatov made the headlines after scoring twice on his full debut, while Steve Sidwell and youngster Alex Kacaniklic were also outstanding as Fulham crushed West Brom. Here’s how we rated the Whites players in their 3-0 victory.
Mark Schwarzer: 7
Didn’t have a great deal to do but made good saves to deny Romelu Lukaku and Chris Brunt in the second half.
Sascha Reither: 6
Stayed assured and did not lose his cool after being kicked by Peter Odemwingie, who was sent off.
Brede Hangeland: 7
Won most of his headers and did well up against the powerful Lukaku in the second half.
Aaron Hughes: 7
Another solid performance from the man who recently signed a new two-year deal at the club.
John Arne Riise: 7
The veteran left-back was a constant threat down the left-hand side.
Damien Duff: 6
Had a relatively quiet game on the right of midfield but delivered the ball well into the penalty area.
Steve Sidwell: 8
His midfield partnership with Chris Baird was essential to Fulham’s victory and he worked tirelessly there, even emerging in the box to add the third goal.
Chris Baird: 7
Followed the lead of Sidwell and stayed dogged and again tireless in midfield.
Alex Kacaniklic: 8
The 21-year-old was influential in the 5-0 drubbing of Norwich on the opening day and clearly loves playing at home. His trickery and pace were too much for West Brom and he was the instigator of both Dimitar Berbatov’s goals.
Hugo Rodellega 7
“Worked his socks off” in the words of manager Martin Jol – and needed to in a new 4-4-2 system up front with Berbatov. His finishing could be better.
Dimitar Berbatov: 9
A brace on his home debut showed this man is far from finished after his Manchester United career petered out.
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