It proved to be a chastening afternoon for Régis Le Bris and his Sunderland side as they were beaten 3-1 by Marco Silva’s side.
Some big missed chances in the second half proved key as Fulham struck twice from set plays and then a late counter to secure the points.
Here’s how we rated all the Black Cats involved on the day...
5. LB - Trai Hume
Thought he had a really decent game out of position again. Covered so much ground, made some important defensive interceptions and looked after the ball well. 7 | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. CM - Noah Sadiki
Had a quiet first hour and unsurprisingly far more influential when Xhaka’s introduction allowed him to get around the pitch more. Hopefully a sign of things to come. 6 | George Wood/Getty Images
7. CM - Habib Diarra
One good bit of play almost led to a Sunderland goal shortly before he was brought off, but struggled to impact the game for the most part. Had one half chance in the first half but drove his effort well over the bar. 5 | Chris Fryatt
8. CM - Enzo Le Fee
Didn’t quite get the final pass right at times but was Sunderland’s most incisive player in both halves. Took his penalty well again to briefly give his team hope. 6 | Getty Images