Marks out of ten following Fulham’s hard-fought success at Carrow Road …
Marcus Bettinelli: At a time when Fulham were arguably second best in the contest, Bettinelli’s organisation of his defence and control of dangerous situations inside the visiting penalty area proved crucial. He came off his line to collect a couple of threatening balls – an area of his game that has dramatically improved since he returned to the side – and produced a sensational save to keep out a rising drive from Dennis Srbency at the start of the second half. 7
Ryan Fredericks: The right back was initially reluctant to rampage forward as he usually does but got through an awful lot of defensive work in the first half as the home side began the game on top. He managed to kept Josh Murphy relatively quiet, which was no mean task, and also filled in for Fulham’s centre backs when they were caught out of position. Powered forward more effectively in the second half as Fulham got their football flowing. 7
Matt Targett: Another assured display from the Southampton loanee who has been simply outstanding since he made the switch to Craven Cottage back in January. Fulfilled all of his defensive duties impeccably once again and looked much more comfortable once Sessegnon had been brought on to resume their dominant partnership down the left flank. Delivered a devilish cross for Aleksandar Mitrovic that crucially helped to break the deadlock – and set Fulham on their way to another vital victory. 7
Denis Odoi: Perhaps something of a surprise choice to continue at the heart of the defence after his dreadful mistake that cost Fulham two points against QPR and Tomas Kalaas’ return to match action during the international break. Did well in the air against Srbency and looked composed on the floor, carrying the ball far into Norwich territory at a stage in the first half when Fulham’s build up from the back was far too laboured. Certainly put that derby error well behind him. 7
Tim Ream: Efficient and dependable as ever from the American who has become the rock at the heart of Slavisa Jokanovic’s back four. Another commanding display that radiated confidence even at a time when Fulham were struggling to impose their usual performance on a feisty Norwich side. Looked up for the battle against Srbency, brought the ball out from the back with his usual confidence, and was happy to move into areas ahead of the defensive line when Maddison appeared threatening. 7
Kevin McDonald: The Scot initially struggled to contain Norwich’s vibrant movement in front of the Fulham back four and couldn’t get his passing radar functioning early on. Eventually managed to bring a semblance of order to proceedings by dropping deeper to rebel the home side’s encouraging start, but he still looked swamped by the adventurous yellow shirts on occasions. Not a surprise that Jokanovic hooked him in the second half after he had been both cautioned and then warned by referee Keith Stroud. 6
Stefan Johansen: Just as he did last season, the Norwegian popped up with a predatory piece of finishing to put Fulham ahead at Carrow Road. This wasn’t the sort of domineering performance that characterised last year’s run-in, but it was essential to get the Whites going all the same. Took his goal superbly after reacting quickest once Mitrovic’s header had been saved and an intelligent flick in midfield sent the visitors pouring forward for the second a few minutes later. Exuberantly celebrated winning a free-kick in front of the Fulham fans with the clock ticking down. 8
Tom Cairney: Like Johansen, the Fulham skipper struggled to pull the strings early on and was in the wars from the outset as Farke clearly told the Norwich midfielders to try and disrupt Cairney’s rhythm if they possibly could. The Scottish playmaker, who had a disappointing return to international duty over the past week, preserved and got his reward with a sweet strike to make sure the points headed south. Even when he doesn’t touch his highest level, Cairney still looks like one of the divsion’s best performers. 8
Floyd Ayite: Another immensely frustrating afternoon for the Togolese winger, who flattered to deceive in the final third despite receiving the ball in a few dangerous positions. Might have had a penalty in the early stages when he appeared to be bundled off the ball aggressively, but faded from view as he failed to put in a telling ball for a frustrated Mitrovic. Fulham looked much more threatening once Sessegnon replaced him. 6
Lucas Piazon: The Brazilian kept on going throughout but this wasn’t one of his better displays. Struggled to match Norwich’s early intensity and large portions of the contest seemed to pass him by. Improved by quite some margin in the second half and it was his deflected cross that fell at Cairney’s feet for Fulham’s second goal. 6
Aleksandar Mitrovic: Spent most of the first half horribly isolated as Jokanovic’s men struggled to get out of first gear. Waged a real battle with Norwich’s centre backs but was feeding off scraps until Sessegnon’s introduction enlivened Fulham. Might not have scored but proved mightily effective in the second half – principally when his header was well saved and Johansen gobbled up the rebound. That proved to be the game’s turning point. 7
Substitutes:
Ryan Sessegnon (on for Floyd Ayite, 54): You could see the sense in Jokanovic deciding to rest the teenager, who had looked a little jaded in his last few outings, especially after the emotional high of making his England under-21 debut on Tuesday night. The seventeen year-old might not have had a part to play in either of the goals but Fulham posed a greater attacking threat with him on the field – and his presence enlivened what had been a sluggish display until that point. 7
Oliver Norwood (on for Kevin McDonald, 66): The Northern Ireland midfielder was sent on to shore things up in midfield after Kevin McDonald had been booked and then warned once again by Keith Stroud. Kept things nice and simple in the middle of the park – and was booked himself as the game developed a little bit of needle late on, but his arrival of the bench simply illustrated just how much depth Fulham have in central midfield at the moment. 6
Aboubakar Kamara (on for Aleksandar Mitrovic, 78); The French forward replaced Mitrovic for the final quarter of hour after the Serbian had rather run out of puff. Didn’t have too many opportunities to put his go-faster green boots to the test, although he had might have better controlled a glorious through ball from Cairney that could have put him one-on-one with Angus Gunn. No doubting his desire at all. 6
