{"id":59052,"date":"2026-08-28T12:56:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T12:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/59052\/"},"modified":"2026-08-28T12:56:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T12:56:10","slug":"player-ratings-following-fulhams-dominant-3-0-win-over-afc-wimbledon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/59052\/","title":{"rendered":"Player Ratings following Fulham’s dominant 3-0 win over AFC Wimbledon"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alvaro Arbeloa secured his win as Fulham<\/a> manager with a dominant 3-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon<\/a> at Craven Cottage in the Carabao Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Goals from Emile Smith Rowe, Rodrigo Muniz, and Gonzalo Garc\u00eda secured safe passage to the next round, where the Cottagers will travel to East London to face Championship side West Ham United.<\/p>\n

Having made 10 changes to the side that lost 3-2 to Chelsea on Monday, Arbeloa\u2019s makeshift team started off slowly but gradually asserted control over the League One side.<\/p>\n

Following Smith Rowe\u2019s opening goal, Fulham never looked back and played with delightful purpose, attacking intent and penetration, and should have scored more against the League One visitors.<\/p>\n

There were also first-team debuts for Macaulay Zepa and Chibuzo Nwoko, while twin brothers Steven and Ryan Sessegnon faced each other for the first time.<\/p>\n

\"RyanRyan and Steven Sessegnon walk out at Craven Cottage. Source: Patrick Khachfe – Getty ImagesPlayer ratings<\/p>\n

Benjamin Lecomte-6<\/p>\n

Fulham\u2019s second-choice goalkeeper enjoyed an extremely quiet evening and was not forced into any notable saves.<\/p>\n

However, during Wimbledon\u2019s period of stubborn resistance in the opening 15-20 minutes, the Frenchman was alert and commanding when it came to claiming any loose balls.<\/p>\n

Calm in possession, Lecomte probably had Callum Maycock\u2019s close-range flick-on covered and deserved a second successive third-round clean sheet.<\/p>\n

Kenny Tete-7<\/p>\n

Making his first start of the season, Kenny Tete enjoyed a more advanced role than he previously had under Marco Silva.<\/p>\n

Stationed higher up the pitch, Tete impressed with his runs in behind, attacking width, and the fluidity to interchange between his full-back position and occasionally drift into midfield.<\/p>\n

His final, defence-splitting passes, in the last stage of the attacking third, were elusive and not always pinpoint, but his speed and agility will be an important asset this season.<\/p>\n

The Dutchman was also very unlucky not to score his first goal of the season as he hit a powerful, dipping shot, midway through the second half, that drifted just over the bar.<\/p>\n

Joachim Andersen-5<\/p>\n

This was Joachim Andersen\u2019s first start of the season, as the defender was suspended for the first game of the season following a straight red card against Bournemouth last season.<\/p>\n

Watching from the stands, the Dane looked like the weaker of Fulham\u2019s centre-backs and looked a little rusty in the first half.<\/p>\n

Initially, Anderson struggled to assert his physicality in the game and did look like a possible liability when compared to his fellow centre-back De Fougerolles.<\/p>\n

However, Anderson\u2019s vocal presence and leadership skills are unquestionable, and his passing, his strongest attribute, was crisp and confident, and he generally marshalled the back four well.<\/p>\n

Luc De Fougerolles – 8<\/p>\n

Making his first Fulham appearance since November 2023, Luc De Fougerolles was particularly impressive and took the responsibility of playing on the left side of the back four (despite being right-footed) in his stride.<\/p>\n

\"CanadianCanadian international Luc De Fougerolles took his place in defence for Fulham. Tiego Grenho – NurPhoto<\/p>\n

Calm on the ball, De Fougerolles slotted into the Cottagers\u2019 defence seamlessly and oozed confidence and composure.<\/p>\n

The Canadian marked Wimbledon\u2019s Aron Sasu out of the game, was physically dominant and receptive to any passing phases that launched an attacking phase.<\/p>\n

A threat from set pieces, the young defender showcased to the Fulham faithful why he played in all five of Canada\u2019s World Cup games (starting four of them).<\/p>\n

Ryan Sessegnon-7<\/p>\n

Playing against his twin brother, Ryan Sessegnon started the night at left-back but often shifted into an additional winger as Arbeloa\u2019s tactical high line continued to be on display.<\/p>\n

Aged 26 now, Sessegnon has matured into a very intelligent footballer and switched between different roles with ease and efficiency.<\/p>\n

With a 92% passing accuracy, Sessegnon created three big chances and offered solid support in both attack and defence.<\/p>\n

Like Tete, his final ball was lacking at times, but the former Tottenham man will be an invaluable cog in Arbeloa\u2019s machine this season.<\/p>\n

Shea Charles-7<\/p>\n

Marking his first start following his move from Southampton, Shea Charles faced a quiet evening as Wimbledon allowed him to enjoy time on the ball and spread Fulham\u2019s attack wide.<\/p>\n

Completing the most passes of any player (98), the Northern Irishman contributed 15 passes into the final third and pushed higher up the field than what is usually expected of Fulham\u2019s number eight.<\/p>\n

Charles will face tougher tests, but he really breezed through this one in a promising display, which is why Arbeloa was insistent he should be the man to replace Sasa Lukic.<\/p>\n

\"SheaShea Charles made his full debut in midfield for Fulham. Source: Patrick Khachfe – Getty Images.<\/p>\n

Another exciting attribute for Arbeloa is Charles\u2019s versatility. When De Fougerolles had to be replaced, Charles slotted into the centre-back role with no complaints and produced a cameo filled with positional awareness, stealth and discipline.<\/p>\n

Harrison Reed-6<\/p>\n

Fulham\u2019s captain for the night, Harrison Reed, provided a satisfactory captain\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n

Sitting as the anchor of Fulham\u2019s midfield, \u201cGinger Iniesta\u201d broke up a few fledgling Wimbledon attacks while acting as another layer of protection to the defence, which allowed Shea Charles to push further forward.<\/p>\n

While it was an unspectacular performance, Reed did have the most touches at 114 and did fizz in some dangerous counters from which Fulham should probably have profited.<\/p>\n

Emile Smith Rowe-7<\/p>\n

Scoring his first Cottagers\u2019 goal since January, Emile Smith Rowe was another performer whose game looked moulded to Arbeloa\u2019s tactical image.<\/p>\n

Looking to prove a point after not coming on against the Blues on Monday, the Arsenal academy graduate created the joint-most chances and looked freer to roam forward than previously.<\/p>\n

The Englishman looked more actively involved in winning back the ball and drove forward with confidence and an improved work ethic. He was unlucky not to score again and was only prevented from doing so by great Dons defending.<\/p>\n

Kevin-6<\/p>\n

Surprisingly left on the bench against Chelsea, this game was Kevin\u2019s opportunity to establish himself in Arbeloa\u2019s selection process, but he was not particularly convincing.<\/p>\n

While he did test the Wimbledon goalkeeper, Kevin failed to utilise his blistering passing and dribbling skills to any particular effect.<\/p>\n

While he possesses tricks and flicks in abundance, the Brazilian\u2019s first two outings under Arbeloa have not been particularly convincing when trying to justify his \u00a340 million price tag.<\/p>\n

To be fair though, he did contribute to Fulham\u2019s attacking moments and did interchange into midfield to receive the ball more effectively and frequently than his partner on the other wing.<\/p>\n

Oscar Bobb-5<\/p>\n

Following a productive and admirable World Cup campaign with Norway, Oscar Bobb was the only player from the Chelsea defeat to retain his starting position.<\/p>\n

With Harry Wilson and Samuel Chukwueze no longer in his way, Bobb is now Fulham\u2019s only recognised right winger and will get the game time to build up consistency and momentum.<\/p>\n

However, in this game, the Norwegian struggled to assert himself and did not create anything meaningful for the Premier League side.<\/p>\n

Bobb does move into promising areas and often does not receive that killer pass; however, he was shut out fairly effectively by the Dons\u2019 full-backs, and his replacement, Zepa, really showed up with his pace and penetration.<\/p>\n

Rodrigo Muniz-7<\/p>\n

Fulham\u2019s new manager\u2019s tactical and technical tweaks on Rodrigo Muniz\u2019s game were evident in a promising and pleasing display from the fans\u2019 favourite striker.<\/p>\n

Scoring his first Fulham goal since the opening day of last season, Muniz was alert and nodded a powerful and accurate header past Nathan Bishop to really put Fulham in the driving seat.<\/p>\n

What was interesting about Muniz\u2019s gameplay was his improved work rate, his hustling of defenders and his insistence on contributing to the build-up play and dropping back if necessary.<\/p>\n

Muniz is a striker that thrives on confidence and consistency, and his display against the League One visitors will only help him build up momentum ahead of his fifth season in a Fulham shirt.<\/p>\n

Substitutes<\/p>\n

Gonzalo Garc\u00eda-7<\/p>\n

Looking incredibly lively, the former Real Madrid man\u2019s work ethic and physicality were too much for the Dons\u2019 defence, and his second goal for Fulham exemplified his class, intelligence and passion.<\/p>\n

Calvin Bassey-6<\/p>\n

The Nigerian looked confident in possession and made no notable mistakes or misjudgements. By the time he came on, Wimbledon\u2019s attack had run out of creativity, and so Bassey simply strode through the remaining minutes.<\/p>\n

Macaulay Zepa-7<\/p>\n

The 18-year-old Frenchman enjoyed a seriously impressive debut in black and white. Replacing Oscar Bobb at half-time, Zepa had the most touches in the opposition box and was so lively, breezing past defenders, and he so nearly unleashed a brilliant strike in the second half that just zipped past the post.<\/p>\n

\"MacaulayMacaulay Zepa impressed on debut in the second half. Source: Tiego Grenho – NurPhoto<\/p>\n

Chibuzo Nwoko-6<\/p>\n

Coming on for the last 22 minutes, the debutant completed his passes with 94% accuracy and matched up admirably against a strong and aggressive Wimbledon midfield.<\/p>\n

Cesar Palacios-6<\/p>\n

The Spaniard offered another creative outlet for Fulham, and unlike Kevin, he floated into pockets of space and offered more flexibility to Fulham\u2019s attack.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Alvaro Arbeloa secured his win as Fulham manager with a dominant 3-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon at Craven…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":59053,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[2798,21862,21861,285],"class_list":["post-59052","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wimbledon","tag-afc-wimbledon","tag-carabao-cup","tag-fulham","tag-wimbledon"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59052","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59052"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/59052\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59053"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59052"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=59052"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/tennis\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=59052"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}