Fulham emphatically secured their first league win of the season, beating Ipswich 2-0 in a one-sided game at Portman Road. Here’s how we rated each Whites player.
A relatively quiet day for the Whites keeper with Ipswich getting few shots off on the counter. Could have done better with a few clearances, but a clean sheet will help boost his confidence.
Picked out Kebano with a floated pinpoint cross for Fulham’s opener after a mazy run down the flank. Skimmed the post with a low drive in the first half. Tired late on but Ipswich never really threatened down his side.
Won virtually all his aerial battles and stood firm to thwart the home side’s counter-attacks.
Confident as ever with taking the ball down and starting attacks from the back. Looking very comfortable alongside Kalas, with whom he has established a mighty partnership.
Embed from Getty Images
The captain looked more like the player he was last season, receiving the ball in the heart of midfield and pulling the strings – something that was lacking last weekend against Sheffield Wednesday. Picked up a couple of minor knocks to his ankle but was able to complete the full 90 minutes.
Enjoying plenty of the ball high up the pitch despite reverting to his left-back role, the teenager upstaged England Under-21 counterpart Dominic Iorfa by constantly blazing past him. Worked well with Kebano on the flank, thanks in part to the little defensive work they had to face.
Embed from Getty Images
Aside from one mistake that let McGoldrick in on goal, the Scot mopped up every loose ball and put his body in front of the hapless Ipswich midfielders. Allowed Johansen and Cairney to create and dictate the flow of the game.
Led by example with his tireless running and neat passing between the boxes. Although he should have tucked away a clear one-on-one chance in the first half, the Norwegian made up for it with his involvement in the build up to Fulham’s second goal.
Embed from Getty Images
An impressive full debut in Sone Aluko’s absence, often with more direct play than Kebano on his opposite side. Ojo often cut inside and unleashed a few curling shots that tested Ipswich keeper Bialkowski, though he could have potentially done better with an early blocked chance.
Caused all sorts of problems for the Ipswich defence linking up with Sessegnon on the left and nodded in a simple header to put the Whites ahead. Also provided that bit of quality to settle the game soon after the break with an exquisite turn and shot that led to Fulham’s second goal.
Embed from Getty Images
Took his goal exceptionally well, firing in first-time from an acute angle on the rebound. Unlucky not to get a brace. By constantly pressing from the front and holding up the ball well, Fonte showed all-round qualities that Fulham have long needed from their centre-forward.
Came on for Fonte – who seemed to pick up a minor groin strain – with 20 minutes left and chased a few through balls. Fulham had all but killed the game off by then though.