Millwall v Fulham player ratings
Fulham turned in a fantastic second-half performance to beat Millwall 3-0 at The Den and move into the automatic promotion places. Here’s how we rated each Whites player.
Marcus Bettinelli: 8
Got a vital fingertip to a Jake Cooper header in the opening minutes, tipping it onto the crossbar after Millwall came out of the blocks fastest. Commanded his box well against the Lions’ long-ball game to preserve a fifth clean sheet in six matches.
Ryan Fredericks: 7
Miscontrolled a few balls across to him and was often appeared outnumbered against Ben Marshall on the right flank in a nervy start for the Whites, but enjoyed much more space going forwards in the second half.
Denis Odoi: 7
Also had a shaky opening and struggled to clear several crosses in to Millwall’s front two. Grew into the game however, and nothing got past him after the break.
Tim Ream: 8
Came up big with a last-ditch block on the goal line at 0-0 after Bettinelli had committed and flapped at a cross. Imperious yet cool-headed showing once again from the American.
Matt Targett: 8
Had Fulham’s best chance of the first half, striking the crossbar with a long-range shot just before the break. Offered plenty of width going forwards and linked up well with Cairney and Sessegnon down the left. One of Fulham’s most consistent performers in their unbeaten run.
Kevin McDonald: 9
Gave the visitors a crucial second goal with what he claimed to be the “second-best” strike of his career, powering the ball past Jordan Archer from 25 yards after getting away from his opponent. Another dependable display shielding the back four and breaking up play.
Tom Cairney: 9
Distributed the ball well despite numerous physical battles in the middle, showing quick thinking and even quicker feet to spread play out to the wings. Really controlled the tempo of the second half when it mattered, even on a drier pitch that could have inhibited the Whites’ slick passing game.
Stefan Johansen: 8
Led by example in closing down opponents and chasing every loose ball until the final minute. One more tireless box-to-box performance to add to the Norwegian’s collection.
Lucas Piazon: 7
Was at his most effective when he drifted inside and linked up play between the midfield and Mitrović, though he could have supported Fredericks more defensively in the first half to thwart the home side’s crosses.
Ryan Sessegnon: 9
Once again reacted first to a rebound to give the Whites the lead with his 15th goal of the season. Playing a little more narrow than usual, the teenager showed excellent close control to get between Millwall’s two banks of four and anticipation to get in behind the defence.
Aleksandar Mitrović: 8
Isolated in first half with plenty of physical battles against the Millwall defence, but was rewarded almost immediately after the restart with a long-range shot on the turn that led to Fulham’s opener. Held up play well in the second half and clinically tucked away his 11th goal in as many matches late on to secure the victory.
Tomáš Kalas: 7
Came on to bolster the back line against Millwall’s long-ball game in the last 10 minutes, but helped kill the game off at the other end by dribbling through and laying the ball off perfectly to Mitrović, who fired home.
