Villa come from behind to beat weakened Fulham

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Aston Villa came from behind to win on a frustrating afternoon for Fulham.

Raul Jimenez gave the Whites an early lead but Ollie Watkins levelled and two goals in as many minutes early in the second half, scored by John McGinn and Emi Buendia, secured the points for the hosts.

Fulham, who had won their previous two matches, made the perfect start at Villa Park, going ahead through Jimenez’s glancing header into the far corner of the net from Sasa Lukic’s third-minute corner.

But Jimenez went off injured eight minutes later – seemingly after being hurt while scoring his goal – and Fulham were denied two possible penalties before former Brentford forward Watkins capitalised on some poor defending to equalise.

Joachim Andersen misjudged Lucas Digne’s ball over the top and Watkins sneaked between the Dane and Calvin Bassey before cleverly lobbing keeper Bernd Leno.

Watkins’ goal – his first goal of the season – came after Fulham had twice appealed in vain for a penalty in the space of a couple of minutes.

The hugely impressive Josh King went down under a challenge from keeper Emiliano Martinez and then had a shot blocked by the outstretched arm of Aston Villa defender Matty Cash, but on both occasions the decision went against Fulham – and the first incident resulted in King being shown a yellow card for simulation.

In the end, Fulham’s lack of attacking options proved costly.

Rodrigo Muniz missed the game after picking up an injury in training and Adama Traore operated as a makeshift striker after replacing Jimenez.

Villa’s all-important second goal came after Traore was unable to hold the ball up and lost possession, with half-time substitute Buendía then finding McGinn, who superbly thumped home.

Buendia then made it 3-1, slamming in from close range after Watkins had pulled the ball back from the left.

Fulham were all over the place defensively but should have pulled a goal back when Ezri Konsa’s clearance off the line denied Lukic, who ought to have scored.

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Fulham: Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Sessegnon (Robinson 80), Berge, Lukic, Wilson (Chukwueze 80), King (Smith Rowe 65), Iwobi (Kevin 65), Jimenez (Traore 11).
Subs not used: Lecomte, Cuenca, Reed, Cairney.