The duo of Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey got very good ratings in Fulham’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United at the Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Sunday.
Iwobi and Bassey were in Fulham’s starting lineup and were impressive for the London club were denied their first league win, no thanks to Matheus Cunha’s late goal.
It is now back-to-back draws for Fulham, who had lost their opening three fixtures.
Following their impressive display BBC Sport rated both Iwobi and Bassey seven each.
Commenting on Bassey’s performance, BBC Sport wrote:”Not the easiest game positionally as Manchester United played without an orthodox centre-forward. Got forward to create Fulham’s goal.”
On Iwobi, the media outlet wrote: “Also tried to exploit the inside left channel when Fulham went forward. Low cross almost created a chance for Gonzalo Garcia and another deep one did for King.”
After five games played Fulham are in 19th position on just two points while United, on five points, are in 12th place in the league table.
Fulham have competed in patches and shown organisation against stronger opponents, particularly in the recent draws against Liverpool and United.
However, defensive lapses and an inability to close out games have cost them. Early criticism focused on structure and soft defending after the first three losses, with some reports of squad unrest.
Also Read: ‘It’s A Privilege’ — Bassey Proud To Captain Fulham
New manager Alvaro Arbeloa arrived with limited senior managerial experience beyond a mixed six-month spell at Real Madrid (where he finished second in La Liga and reached the Champions League quarter-finals).
Fulham finished 11th under Silva the previous season, so expectations were for mid-table stability rather than an immediate transformation.
The international break offers Arbeloa time to refine his ideas. The next three league fixtures present clearer opportunities for that elusive first win.
Whether the early struggles prove a temporary adaptation period or a deeper issue will become clearer once Fulham face more winnable games. For now, the Cottagers’ search for a Premier League victory under their new Spanish coach continues.
By James Agberebi
