Dimitar Berbatov’s second-half winner meant Fulham bounced back from their drubbing at Hull with a much-needed victory. Here’s how we rated the players in their derby triumph.
David Stockdale: 7
Responded to conceding six goals in the defeat at Hull by making a number of good saves, especially in the first half when he prevented Kevin Nolan from putting West Ham 2-0 up with a header from close range.
Sascha Riether: 7
The ever dependable right-back put in another workhorse-like shift and, with John Arne Riise on the left, the Fulham back four looks to have more balance.
Fernando Amorebieta: 6
Both Amorebieta and Philippe Senderos were at fault for West Ham’s opening goal. Neither got close to Mo Diame as he was allowed space to control a long punt forward from the goalkeeper and fire the ball in.
Philippe Senderos: 6
Senderos was the better of the two centre-backs for the Whites, but Fulham still miss Brede Hangeland.
John Arne Riise: 7
Enjoying a new lease of life under Rene Meulensteen, Riise put in another excellent performance at left-back, and he went close with a bullet from distance in the first half.
Damien Duff: 7
Duff grew into the opening half and became a real threat until he tired midway through the second period. He provided a number of excellent crosses that should have been converted by Dimitar Berbatov.
Scott Parker: 8
Parker was once again the man of the match, working tirelessly in midfield. Almost everything Fulham did in an attacking sense began with him.
Steve Sidwell: 6
Sidwell was decent enough but was overshadowed by Parker’s efforts, and he was second best to Diame prior to Nolan’s sending-off.
Kieran Richardson: 7
Richardson looks a more dangerous player higher up the pitch and is able to form part of an excellent left-sided duo with Riise.
Adel Taarabt: 6
There could be the makings of a decent partnership between Taarabt and Berbatov in the Fulham attack, but the on-loan QPR man was wasteful when he opted not to pass to his team-mate.
Dimitar Berbatov: 7
Returning from injury, Berbatov looked fit and sharp and could have had two goals in the first half. He finally got his reward with a well-taken winner at the back post.
Alex Kacaniklic: 6
Kacaniklic came on and was lively without the ball but did little of note with it, and he is struggling to prove himself under Meulensteen.
Darren Bent: 5
Bent was put through one-on-one with Jussi Jaaskelainen moments after coming on as a second-half substitute but fluffed the chance.
West Ham
The Hammers have real problems and certainly weren’t helped by skipper Nolan’s daft sending-off. Their fans have every reason to be unhappy at the moment.
Man of the match
Parker
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This post was last modified on 02/01/2014