Fulham v Aston Villa: play-off final player ratings

Fulham are back in the Premier League. Tom Cairney’s goal at Wembley gave them victory in the play-off final, taking them into the top flight after a four-year absence. Here’s how we rated each Whites player in the win against Aston Villa.

Marcus Bettinelli: 6

Produced a fine save to deny Jack Grealish at 1-0 up in the second half.

Ryan Fredericks: 7

Attacking threat often forced Grealish to defend and abandon his attacking instincts.

Tim Ream: 6

A calm presence in a defence that was under consistent pressure throughout the second half.

Denis Odoi: 5

Produced a potentially-crucial block from Lewis Grabban’s close-range shot but was sent off following a second yellow, which invited pressure.

Matt Targett: 6

Unusually offered little going forward, largely because of Villa’s second-half response.

Kevin McDonald: 7

Midfielder provided the discipline his team required as they sought to stretch Villa.

Stefan Johansen: 6

Wasted a fine chance to put Fulham 2-0 up, settle their nerves and arrest Villa’s momentum. But overall he did well in midfield.

Tom Cairney: 8

His composed finish gave his team the lead they deserved and provided the platform for victory.

Aboubakar Kamara: 8

Came close to scoring, at 0-0, with a promising chance he created for himself, and was unfortunate not to be rewarded with a goal.

Ryan Sessegnon: 8

Again demonstrated his potential and vision with the superb through-ball that created Cairney’s goal.

Aleksandar Mitrovic: 7

Did well to hold the ball up against an experienced defence, and drew the challenge from which James Chester was booked.

Oliver Norwood: 8

Brilliant, late challenge denied Conor Hourihane from a dangerous position. Tomas Kalas and Cyrus Christie also did well defensively when they later came on as as substitutes too.