Player Ratings: Stoke City 2-0 Fulham

Last updated : 17 October 2011 By Dan Buxton

Asmir Begovic - 7 - Had very little to do in way of shot stopping, well nothing to do in fact, but was on hand on three occasions to rush out of his box to clear through balls before they became a danger

Andy Wilkinson - 8 - Ropey distribution early on but grew as the game wore on and played a key role in the opening goal. Grit and pride as ever

Marc Wilson - 7 - Was solid in defence and then started setting up attacks well in the second period. Had a header cleared off the line minutes before opening goal

Ryan Shawcross - 8 - Collosus at the back against tricky strikers and made more than one perfectly timed challenge to halt obvious danger and also knowing when to put the ball out after being dragged out wide to deal with a loose ball

Matthew Upson - 8 - Another brilliant display at the heart of the defence as he won everything in the air and timed tackles to win back the ball when the opposition looked to create a chance at goal

Jermaine Pennant - 8 - Poor start but was the driving force in the final third after the break. Missed a sitter at the end of the first half but build up play to that effort seemed to spring him on to terrorising the opposition in the remainder of the game

Matthew Etherington - 7 - Shades of his best and two late assists will do his confidence the wonder of good. Plenty of frustration still in his game but signs are good thats hes getting through this bad spell

Rory Delap - 9(Man of the Match) - Got stuck in from the start and showed great energy to battle away in the middle and stop Fulham from controlling the middle of the park. Scored a great header at the death to seal the win after earlier striking a post with a fine 20 yard effort

Glenn Whelan - 7 - Was a bit quieter than normal but didn't allow Fulham to get a foothold in the middle and helped keep the ball moving as City looked to get themselves into some dangerous positions

Jon Walters - 8 - Full of energy as ever and was a threat throughout second half before netting the opener from a whole five yards, showing poachers instincts to break the deadlock

Peter Crouch - 7 - Wasn't brought into the game enough but some fine touches on the deck complemented his play in the air and played a role in opener after missing first half chance and seeing Pennant steer chance wide after one-two with Crouch

Dean Whitehead - 6 - Energy helped to rush Fulham and stop them having the chance to put together an equaliser after Walters opener

Salif Diao - 6 - Made a couple of well timed challenges and kept ball moving after being brought on for stoppage time