Fulham eased to a 1-0 victory over Rotherham United in a comparatively uneventful FA Cup third-round conflict at Craven Cottage on Friday.
The match did not captivate spectators as Rotherham adopted a defensive strategy, whereas Fulham maintained management all through.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid proved to be the difference-maker for Fulham, scoring a spectacular early aim that in the end secured their place within the fourth spherical of the competitors. The match lacked depth and pleasure, with Rotherham primarily targeted on limiting injury somewhat than posing a major menace to Fulham’s FA Cup journey.
Backside of the Championship
Rotherham, at present on the backside of the Championship and struggling within the league, approached the match with a defensive mindset. The group’s lack of ambition to problem Fulham’s dominance was evident, and so they have been content material with sustaining injury management.
Fulham, beneath the steerage of supervisor Marco Silva, performed inside themselves and successfully managed the sport. De Cordova-Reid’s highly effective aim within the twenty fourth minute showcased the distinction in high quality between the 2 sides. Viktor Johansson, Rotherham’s goalkeeper, had no likelihood of saving De Cordova-Reid’s rising shot from 20 yards.
Regardless of their lead, Fulham was unable to increase their benefit earlier than halftime, with Rotherham having a aim disallowed for offside. Fulham wanted to inject extra depth and creativity into their play to interrupt down Rotherham’s stable protection.
Dominate possession
Within the second half, Fulham continued to dominate possession and create alternatives however struggled to transform them into objectives. Rotherham’s defensive techniques held agency for essentially the most half, though Marek Rodak, Fulham’s goalkeeper, had a quiet evening with no pictures heading in the right direction from the guests.
Regardless of the comparatively subdued efficiency, Fulham’s win means they progress to the subsequent spherical of the FA Cup. Marco Silva expressed his satisfaction with the consequence, highlighting the significance of sustaining an expert efficiency.
Fulham will now shift their focus to the upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final towards Liverpool, with the victory over Rotherham serving as a invaluable alternative to relaxation key gamers and protect their power for the upcoming problem.
