Robinson Starts in the FA Cup

Left Back Plays Full 90 Minutes After Recent Premier League Bench Role Amid Cottagers' Poor Form

Antonee Robinson made a welcome return to Fulham's starting eleven, playing the complete 90 minutes in their 2-1 FA Cup comeback victory over Stoke City on Saturday after being relegated to the bench for recent Premier League fixtures.

The 28-year-old American left back had found himself out of favor in Fulham's league matches, sitting on the bench against Manchester City on February 11 and Everton on February 7. His last full Premier League appearance came in a 1-0 defeat to Leeds on January 17, while he was substituted after 71 minutes in a match against Manchester United on February 1.

Against Stoke, Robinson was described as "a lively starter down the left" and completed 86 percent of his passes while registering 93 touches throughout the match. Defensively, he contributed six clearances, two interceptions, and eight recoveries, though he struggled to create attacking opportunities, completing none of his three crosses.

The match saw Fulham manager Marco Silva make wholesale changes, bringing in 10 new faces, including Robinson, after the team's poor run of three consecutive defeats across all competitions. While the extensive rotation nearly backfired—Stoke took an early lead through Bae Jun-ho—Fulham rallied in the second half with goals from Kevin and Harrison Reed securing their progression to the fifth round.

For Robinson, who has been touted as a potential unsung hero for the USMNT at the upcoming World Cup, consistent playing time will be essential. His 50 international caps and reputation as one of the Premier League's best attacking full-backs make him indispensable to Mauricio Pochettino's plans, making his recent club struggles a concern heading into the summer tournament.