Raul Jimenez horrible, Calvin Bassey superb – Fulham ratings v Brighton
Fulham began their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a last-minute equaliser to earn a point against Brighton.
Fulham have been tragically inactive in the transfer window and the lack of additions was painfully on show.
The Cottagers’ need for a striker and new options out wide was clear, as the only player who offered any sort of attacking threat was the teenager Josh King.
Matt O’Riley tucked away a penalty in the 55th minute against his boyhood side after Sander Berge brought down Georginio Rutter.
However, it was Rodrigo Muniz from the bench who finally found a way through Brighton’s staunch backline, scoring in the 96th minute to give his side a point and an all-important 1-1 draw.
Fulham earn point at the death v Brighton
Bernd Leno – 7
Solid. The goal conceded came through no fault of Bernd Leno’s, and he kept all of Brighton’s other efforts out.
Kenny Tete – 7
Kenny Tete rejected Everton this summer, which proved to be a massive boost for Silva, given the Whites’ failure to recruit this summer. Skied a chance to equalise for Fulham at the death.
Joachim Andersen – 7
Staunch. The great Dane was in good form, even without Bassey as his centre-back partner and his confidence served as a boost for his defensive teammates.
Rodrigo Muniz Fulham’s super-sub
Jorge Cuenca (off for Castagne 84′) – 6
Surprise package. Jorge Cuenca barely featured for the Whites last season, but he was solid against Brighton’s dangerous attacking options.
Calvin Bassey – 9 – Player of the Match
Impressive. Calvin Bassey was used out of position at left-back due to the injury issues endured by Antonee Robinson and Ryan Sessegnon. The Nigeria international was fantastic and was a threat going forward, whilst continuing to be being ever-reliable at the back.
Sander Berge (off for Cairney 67′) – 3
Sloppy. Sander Berge was having a solid game until he gave away a needless penalty, which O’Riley calmly tucked away.
Sasa Lukic – 6
Solid. Dependable. Reliable. Sasa Lukic continues to quietly be a key part of Fulham’s set-up but his passing lacked imagination or risk.
Harry Wilson – 5
Meh. Harry Wilson didn’t do anything wrong, nor did he do much right, the Welsh winger just seemed to occupy the space on the right wing. Bring on Kevin.
Josh King (off for Smith Rowe 77′) – 7
Promising. King had a shout for a penalty turned down, and whilst the England Under-19 international was unable to contribute to the scoresheet, his performances will likely have done enough to convince Silva to keep him in the starting XI against Man United.
Alex Iwobi endures up-and-down performance against Brighton
Alex Iwobi (off for Traore 67′) – 6
Energetic. Alex Iwobi is always a lively and exciting player to watch, but against Brighton, his end-product was near non-existent, although that was not helped by his striker’s performance.
Raul Jimenez (off for Muniz 67′) – 1
Awful. Raul Jimenez was off the boil and lost every duel he seemed to be involved in. A new striker is a necessity, as it has been since 2023.
Substitutes
Tom Cairney (on for Berge 67′) – 5
Tom Cairney has his place as a closer of games, but the captain struggled to create any meaningful chances.
Rodrigo Muniz (on for Jimenez 67′) – 8
Muniz may be leaving Fulham soon with Atalanta and Leeds interested, and if he does leave, he does so as a fan-favourite and the scorer of the all-important equaliser.
Adama Traore (on for Alex Iwobi 67′) – 3
Linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, Fulham will be happy to cash in on the winger if he continues to perform like he did against the Seagulls.
Emile Smith Rowe (on for King 77′) – 7
Added a little bit of creativity to Fulham’s side, but the former Arsenal man offered little by way of goal-scoring threat.
Timothy Castagne (on for Cuenca 84′) – 6
Timothy Castagne was not on the pitch long enough to have a significant impact on proceedings.