Football Review | Fulham 1 - 0 Cambridge United

Fulham labour to narrow Carabao Cup win over Cambridge United

Marco Silva’s progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after edging past Cambridge United in a testing evening at Craven Cottage.

Author | Ajay

Stadium | Craven Cottage

View from behind the goal as Cambridge try to score

Emile Smith Rowe struck in the 66th minute, turning in Timothy Castagne’s low cross after Raul Jimenez’s shot had been parried.

A closer look at what happened

Shayne Lavery had gone close for the visitors in the first half, seeing one attempt blocked at close range and another drift wide as Cambridge pushed for an opener.

For much of the contest, Fulham were frustrated by their League Two opponents, only breaking through thanks to Smith Rowe’s composure in front of goal. Jimenez later headed over in what was otherwise a game of limited chances.

More analysis as Fulham players fail to convince

Marco Silva rang the changes, naming an entirely different starting XI, yet few seized the opportunity to impress.

Fulham dominated possession in the opening period, enjoying 82%, but failed to turn it into any real threat, delivering only two accurate crosses from 11 attempts. Neither side managed a shot on target in a first half defined by Cambridge’s organisation and resolve.

Adama Traore, still waiting for his first Premier League start of the season, began promisingly. He found Jimenez with an early cross, only for Jake Eastwood to push the striker’s header behind. But the winger was soon contained by Cambridge’s defence, with further crosses blocked before his withdrawal shortly before Smith Rowe’s goal.

Jimenez worked tirelessly, lifting one chance over from close range and heading another wide from a corner, but it was ultimately Smith Rowe’s finish that proved the difference.

Despite victory, Silva’s discontent on the touchline told its own story about a performance that will not have eased his concerns.

Fulham fans critical of performance despite win

Clint, a huge Fulham supporter, said: "Utterly turgid and uninspiring. I do not care how effectively a team employs a low block, at Fulham's level the players should be able to improvise and adjust their tactics. Slow, predictable passing around the edge of the penalty area is never a reliable solution. For not one single player to stake a claim for a regular starting spot is quite damning."

Ryan added: "A win is a win. Making 11 changes was never going to bring the avalanche of goals some expected. There was no real fluency to our play but we were still deserved winners. Credit to the Cambridge fans, 5,000 of them sang their hearts out and I wish them all the best for the rest of the season."

William struck a slightly more optimistic note, saying: "At this stage for Fulham, it is just about getting through. Winning in style is not the priority. Cambridge put up a fight to be fair to them."