Fulham are back in the Premier League. Tom Cairney’s goal at Wembley gave them victory in the play-off final, taking them into the top flight after a four-year absence. Here’s how we rated each Whites player in the win against Aston Villa.
Produced a fine save to deny Jack Grealish at 1-0 up in the second half.
Attacking threat often forced Grealish to defend and abandon his attacking instincts.
A calm presence in a defence that was under consistent pressure throughout the second half.
Produced a potentially-crucial block from Lewis Grabban’s close-range shot but was sent off following a second yellow, which invited pressure.
Unusually offered little going forward, largely because of Villa’s second-half response.
Midfielder provided the discipline his team required as they sought to stretch Villa.
Wasted a fine chance to put Fulham 2-0 up, settle their nerves and arrest Villa’s momentum. But overall he did well in midfield.
His composed finish gave his team the lead they deserved and provided the platform for victory.
Came close to scoring, at 0-0, with a promising chance he created for himself, and was unfortunate not to be rewarded with a goal.
Again demonstrated his potential and vision with the superb through-ball that created Cairney’s goal.
Did well to hold the ball up against an experienced defence, and drew the challenge from which James Chester was booked.
Brilliant, late challenge denied Conor Hourihane from a dangerous position. Tomas Kalas and Cyrus Christie also did well defensively when they later came on as as substitutes too.
This post was last modified on 27/05/2018