Player ratings: Nottingham Forest 3-1 Fulham

It was an incredibly disappointing night in Nottingham for the Whites, with Fulham once again falling behind on their travels – unlike the weekend though, there was no remarkable comeback as our away record continued to be the curse of this season. Here’s what we made of the players who took the L at the City Ground.

Bernd Leno

Certainly not at fault for any of the goals and only had one other shot on target to deal with when saved well from a one-on-one from Hudson-Odoi. Probably his best attribute is when he’s placed in that situation. Not much else to comment on. 6/10

Kenny Tete

It’s been nearly two months since his last start for Fulham and sadly it showed as he struggled with the Forest counters. He was already being cut apart by Hudson-Odoi before he was caught being sluggish getting back for the first goal so was surprised Kenny survived the half hour cull. Was not put under the same pressure for the rest of the game, but I was far from confident of his defensive abilities which as we all know is one his best outlets. His and Marco’s eagerness to get the full-backs forward at every opportunity exposed him unfortunately. Unlucky not to notch a goal to bring it to 3-2. We all love Kenny but probably puts the Timmy-Tete debate on hiatus. 5/10

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Tosin Adarabioyo

It has been a very shaky few days for Tosin. Going into the international break Tosin’s place was as good as solid concrete as fans rightly have called for the club to offer big money to keep him at the club. Against Forest, he was exposed frequently on the counter in the first half. It was clear in the second he was told that Marco told him to defend more on the front foot, but arguably came off second best against Chris Wood. Even his distribution from deep, which is usually effective, was wayward. Needs a turnaround performance with Diop waiting to snatch the place. Lovely headed goal at least and should have had a brace if not for a great save but part of the reason why we needed that many goals. 5/10

Calvin Bassey

Marginally the better of the two centre backs and did better in the second half being to defend more positively and nip in front of Wood and Gibbs-White. Was able to support Robinson better with his battle with Elanga. I don’t think Bassey’s place is as under risk as Tosin’s based on the Saturday and Tuesday night, but also would not be shocked to see Calvin dropped. 5/10

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Antonee Robinson

Exposed a little by a winger that could actually match him for pace but that was only a couple of times. What tonight therefore showed was unbelievable stamina as he clearly got the better of Elanga and Williams as the game went on. Unfortunately could never get the execution quite right when he was able to get into good positions and so it was wasteful night for the American. 6/10

Harry Wilson

18 touches and lost possession 4 times. Not pretty reading. He really struggled up against Aina, who annoyingly had an exceptional game against us. Was kind of sad to see him miscontrol a ball out for a throw-in as his last contribution. We know he will come back stronger and believe he is not behind Adama in the pecking order. 5/10

Saša Lukić

One of the players to be pulled early and rightly so. This is his first proper run in the Premier League and perhaps the full pelt of two games in quick succession was just too much for him at the moment. Ineffective going forwards, completely passed by in defence. Would have been at fault if Elanga finished at 2-0. 4/10

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João Palhinha

Barely involved and that shows with 2 tackles when he usually averages 5 per game. Forest were excellent at breaking down the wings behind our full backs, clearly the game plan wasto avoid the usually influential Portuguese midfielder. Make no mistake though, he completely switched off for Forest’s third. Was able to connect better with Cairney and Pereira around him when Fulham found their way back into the game but it was already lost by that point. Fulham did not need his defensive capabilities later in the game so was subbed later on. 5/10

Andreas Pereira

This was by far Pereira’s best performance of the season. Frustratingly for him and the fans that it came in a game where so many of teammates let him down. I’ve been very critical of the Brazilian’s decision making and execution previously but tonight it he was the only one effecting the play positively in both the deep and attacking areas of the pitch. Really showed serious quality on the ball tonight in almost all aspects. I am may be over-rating him in comparison to the rest of the team, but Fulham became an even worse team after he was subbed. 8/10

Alex Iwobi

In my view Iwobi was harshly pulled when he was. Alongside Pereira, the only player playing at the expected level, consistently and successfully breaking lines and getting the team up the pitch as we have seen already so much this year. I don’t know what Marco saw that made him think Iwobi was part of the problem. But would have preferred him to be moved over to the right or in the 8 in place of Lukic, rather than benched completely. Not on long enough to get a better rating though. 6/10

Rodrigo Muniz

As space between the Forest back line and midfield tightened throughout the game, Muniz found it tougher and tougher to make any impact. I did think that of all the crosses that came into the box, he did very well to connect with as many as he did.  Arguably should have done better with one in the first half. Likely would have made Sels work after a brilliant first touch later that on was snatched at by BDR but really no highlights to speak of. 6/10

Subs 

Tom Cairney – For Saša Lukić on 32

Always going to be tough to pick apart a team playing so deep with a 2-0 advantage, but in that situation, Tom Cairney is your best bet. He showed enough quality on the ball as usually does and his understanding with Willian and Robinson on the left is unparalleled. That area became by far our best way to create attacking opportunities. Did as well as could given the circumstances but ultimately created nothing himself. 6/10

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Willian – For Alex Iwobi on 32

Although I was surprised to see Iwobi wrenched off early, Willian was better on that side. His interplay as mentioned above with Cairney and Robinson is such an asset as they were able to carve some openings continuously. Some very good deliveries from that side but they all came to nothing. I am sure he will be back in the starting line up come Saturday. 7/10

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Adama Traoré – For Harry Wilson on 32

Adama is a game-changer but did not really change the game in our favour. Yes, he wasbetter than Wilson down the right, but came up against an inspired Ola Aina. Did scoop out a few OK crosses, but nothing hugely dangerous. Best moment was a ripper that spanked the outside of the post that had visions of that Wolves sickener against us back in 2021. Probably came on too early. 6/10 

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – For Andreas Pereira on 71

Came on to fill the Pereira role but it was an unusually quiet cameo for Bobby. Only contributions of note were a well-won attacking header that went nowhere and the snatched chance late on when it would have been better to leave for Muniz. 5/10

Harrison Reed – For João Palhinha on 71

Busy as usual and had some neat interplay, showing his clear ability on the ball. Was never going to be the difference maker but brought on to bring a bit more energy to the team, which he did. 6/10