Fulham v Wigan: Player rankings

Here's how I scored our lads against Wigan.

Niemi - 5/10
Didn't look as commanding as in recent games. Some of his kicks were so wide of the mark I thought he might have his boots on the wrong feet. Also angered his defenders by sticking to his line when he should have come to claim.

Omozusi - 7/10
Was having a great time until forced off injured in the second half. Growing in confidence every game. Good tackling, excellent tracking back and some surging runs. A superb prospect that can make that right back slot his own.

Hughes - 6/10
A decent game, although I'd question his suitability for the captain's job. He just seems so silent out on the pitch - particularly after Wigan scored their goal. I would prefer him to be more in the mould of Lee Clarke or Cookie.

Bocanegra - 6/10
Back in the heart of defence following the return of Konchesky at left back and an injury to Stefanovich. Pretty solid game and has managed to iron out the annoying mistakes which have blighted some past performances.

Konchesky - 5/10
Poor today. Looked a bit rusty after not having played for a couple of weeks. His passing was off and he was getting skinned alive in the first half. However, recovered his form in the second and was starting to look back to his best.

Simon Davies - 5/10
Extremely average - which is not what you would usually say about Davies. Had a good shot and was involved with things but not the presence he has been in past games. He has the ability to win matches but this wasn't much in evidence.

Davis - 5/10
Made some decent tackles - but also shied away from plenty more which is not what we want to see from a midfield 'general'. He's not a bad player by any stretch, but he's too similar to Murphy which is why this partnership just doesn't work.

Murphy - 4/10
It's no secret that I struggle to see what he brings to the team and this was proved once again yesterday. To say his performance was mediocre would make it sound half decent. It wasn't. His distribution was woeful, his tackling non-existent. Shouldn't retain his place.

Bouazza - 4/10
Er, shall we just put it down to an off day? I like Hameur and his speed and ability to strike a ball with such venom can make him a lethal tool to have in the armoury. Today, however, he was all over the place and didn't pose any real threat whatsoever. Very disappointing.

Dempsey - 7/10
If there is another player in this squad that gives more commitment to the cause then please tell me. Quite simply this guy is great. He's involved with everything, knocked some great passes about and even pole-axed Michael Brown, as well as getting the all important goal...on the downside, his mis-timed jump (onto Baird's back) ended up leading to Wigan's goal.

Kamara - 5/10
Made a number of exciting runs across field but sadly very few forward surges. Stole in for a couple of half chances but, as usual, spent most of the match on his backside appealing for fouls that even the Fulham fans didn't see. Frustrating to say the least.

Substitutes

Baird - 6/10
Sold performance although him and Dempsey jumping - and missing - the same ball led to Wigan's goal. However, the rest of the time he played well and thankfully seems to have put his nightmare opener to the season to rest.

Healy - 6/10
Things do seem to happen when Healy is on the pitch. Came close with a turn-and-swivel shot and definitely upset the Wigan defence. I don't like seeing him stuck out on the wing though - it's far better to have him in the centre.

Kuqi - 4/10
Very poor today. Outjumped on almost every occasion which has been very rare. Would dearly love for him to get on the score sheet but not sure it's going to happen. He does, however, unsettle defences and this helped in the build up to Dempsey's equaliser.

Man of the match: Clint Dempsey. If we could bottle his passion and commitment we'd make a million. Hard as nails with the skills and goal-scoring flair to match. True class.