Barnsley v Fulham player ratings
Fulham came from behind at Oakwell to beat 10-man Barnsley 3-1 and move into the Championship play-off places. Here’s how we rated each Whites player.
Marcus Bettinelli: 6
Struggled a little with distribution as Barnsley’s forwards pressed up high in the first half, though Dimitri Cavaré’s red card before the break meant he had little to do in the second. Looked to have been obstructed in the build up to Barnsley’s opener.
Ryan Fredericks: 6
Offered a threat as Fulham’s usual outlet going forward down the right flank and almost singlehandedly created the Whites’ equaliser. Made some sloppy errors in possession in the first half, however.
Tomáš Kalas: 6
Found it difficult to handle the hosts’ tall option up front in Kieffer Moore, but was under less pressure in the second 45 and his composure on the ball helped Fulham dominate possession in the end.
Tim Ream: 6
Also regained his confidence in possession after a shaky first period, in which he failed to deal with a long ball over the top that led to Barnsley’s goal.
Denis Odoi: 5
Went largely unnoticed in the first half, aside from a couple of link-ups with Ryan Sessegnon down the left. Replaced by the more attacking Matt Targett at half-time as Fulham pushed forwards with a man advantage.
Oliver Norwood: 7
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One of the better players in the early stages when it was 11 v 11. Got the ball down and recycled play neatly.
Kevin McDonald: 8
In the right place at the right time, the stand-in captain tirelessly led Fulham by example in Tom Cairney’s absence and carried the team over the line with a goal at a crucial moment.
Stefan Johansen: 6
The Norwegian is visibly working hard for the team but still looking to regain his form from last season. Fortunate not to be booked for the harsh challenge that caused Cavaré’s retaliation, but his involvement in the game’s turning point shouldn’t be understated.
Lucas Piazon: 6
Wasn’t able to play his style of football on the ground against a physical Barnsley side, despite flashes of brilliant twists and passes. Taken off for the more direct Kebano midway through the second half.
Ryan Sessegnon: 8
Another brilliant display beyond the youngster’s years. Found himself in advanced positions and took his two chances like a seasoned poacher. Bringing in Targett this week will surely keep Sessegnon in this forward role he is making his own.
Rui Fonte: 6
A tougher outing for Fonte against a defence that was better organised than the one he scored a brace against last week. His relentless running and movement offered Fulham options, but he had very few chances in front of goal himself.
Matt Targett: 6
An assured debut, helped by the numerical advantage as he came on after Barnsley were reduced to 10. Showed promise in his link-up with Sessegnon down the left – the two young Englishmen could forge an exciting partnership in the season’s closing months.
Neeskens Kebano: 7
Played a big part in giving Fulham the lead by getting on the end of a cross, albeit with an awkward header that Barnsley’s defence simply couldn’t deal with. Made his impact off the bench at a vital time.
Aboubakar Kamara: 6
While he wasn’t as active on the ball as Kebano following his introduction in Johansen’s place, Kamara was a more physical threat in the Barnsley box that couldn’t be ignored as the Whites pushed for a winner.
