All through the African Cup of Nations we felt that Fulham badly missed the services of Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi. The Nigerian duo might have taken a little while to find their feet in Marco Silva’s first team squad, but they were certainly key players by the turn of the year. The pair last played together for their club in a determined 2-1 win over Arsenal at Craven Cottage on New Year’s Eve – and they showcased their talents on another big stage at Old Trafford this weekend.
Bassey’s performance was peerless even before he fired Fulham in front at the second attempt off his unfavoured right foot from a corner. The former Leicester defender was something of a punt after he struggled at Ajax and didn’t inspire confidence in his first few outings when he had to play at right centre back due to a lack of defensive cover, but in Trafford he was absolutely incredible. Bassey’s prominence was hindered for much of the first half as poor old Marcus Rashford never really got the ball,
Iwobi’s artistry was evident from the moment he signed for Fulham – and the winger-cum-central midfielder had an outstanding afternoon, exploiting the space United left for him to run into. The only disappointment was that he didn’t put away a pair of very presentable chances in the first half, but the work ethic that so endears him to Silva was evident as he continued to shunt into central midfield areas to close down the opposition. Iwobi saved his most magnificent effort for deep into stoppage time when, after Adama Traore had surged down the right, he darted inside to lash a low drive past the unsighted Andreas Onana.
Who knew away wins were so straightforward? Here’s to many more marvellous as well.
