It was near but no cigar for Fulham as they lost 3-1 to Sunderland.

But you thought Seko Fofana was the best in white in a close-run thing. Right behind the Manchester City came marauding left-back Kostas Stafylidis, who probably had one of his best performances at the Cottage.

Lasse Christensen made a great return to come third, even though the midfielder came on as sub. And it says much for Marcus Bettinelli, the keeper's howler didn't detract from a decent showing.

As with all forwards who don't score or create chances, Cauley Woodrow underlined the small margin between success and failure to prop up the poll.

Marcus Bettinelli might have dropped a howler for the Black Cats' opener that levelled the scores after Hugo Rodallega had given Fulham the lead.