The points were shared at Villa Park in the final match of Saturday's Premier League schedule, as Aston Villa and Fulham played out a 1-1 draw.
It was a tale of two halves for Unai Emery's men, who, after a slow start in the opening ten minutes, came to life and dominated the rest of the first half. A handball from Sander Berge gifted the Villans a penalty around the quarter-hour mark, but skipper John McGinn struck the crossbar and squandered the chance.
20 minutes later, however, Villa found their breakthrough. Nicolas Jackson continued his red-hot form. He latched onto a lovely weighted through ball from Johan Manzambi before finding his way past two Fulham defenders and slotting home a tidy finish. The Villans went into the dressing room comfortable, but their foothold in the game quickly slipped in the second half.
Fulham had their foot on Villa's neck right out of the gate, only being denied the equalizer by several high-quality stops from Zion Suzuki. Unfortunately, Suzuki's plaudits didn't last long. The Japanese goalkeeper spilled a corner in the 64th minute, allowing the ball to bounce over the goal line and give Fulham their much-deserved equalizer.
Villa stepped it up in the final fifteen minutes behind the exciting substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, but they couldn't find the back of the net and settled for a point.
Here are the player ratings:
Blundered the corner for Fulham's goal, but was brilliant the rest of the way. Made some truly top-drawer saves throughout. Could've easily been two or three goals for Fulham without him. Distribution was brilliant as always.
Solid performance defensively, as he protected Villa's eighteen-yard box with his athleticism and physicality. Had to handle the brunt of Fulham's attacking prowess, but did so well. Unfortunately, picked up a booking that will need to be monitored as the season progresses.
Another quality performance from Lindelöf, who has turned himself into a cult hero so far this season. Gave the ball away carelessly in the first half, but got away unscathed. Besides that, his distribution was solid. Good defensive work during Fulham's flurry early in the second half.
Torres was a facilitator all night long for Villa, and he didn't put a foot wrong defensively. A couple of good clearances. Should have found the target with two headed opportunities late on.
Ran his socks off all night long and was critical on both sides of the ball for Villa. Quality touches going forward and an incredible string of clearances in the first half. Kept the Cottagers' right flank almost entirely silent.
Kamara looked very good in patches, but was largely quiet. Fulham's midfield didn't give him much trouble, and he was comfortable on the ball. Created a great chance for Leon Goretzka. Substituted with just over ten minutes left to go.
A very impressive outing from Goretzka in his first Premier League start in Claret and Blue. Nearly got on the scoresheet twice in the first half, winning two headers from corners. The latter one struck Sander Berge's hand, earning Villa their penalty. Showed a good engine and plenty of attacking energy all night.
Showcased his dribbling prowess on occasion and was instrumental in setting up Villa's opener. Did his defensive duties very well, for the most part. Substituted midway through the second half but looked like one of Villa's spark plugs going forward throughout his time on the pitch.
Rattled the woodwork with his penalty, but otherwise was his dependable self. Struggled to make a proper impact on the match.
This kid really is something. Even on a night where his decision-making wasn't at its best, he was arguably the most dangerous player on the pitch. Clever with the ball at his feet and willing to create his own chances. Set up Jackson's goal and worked tirelessly defensively as well. Unai Emery has a star on his hands.
Nicolas Jackson has been one of the best strikers in the Premier League this season. Plain and simple. Scored his fifth league goal of the season in the first half and was assured on the ball. His hold-up play was good, and he largely bossed the Fulham center-halves physically. Really flourishing in this Villa squad.
Worked hard, but didn't have too much of an impact moving forward. Made a good block after coming on.
Looked the most likely to produce a winner after coming on. Torched Tom Cairney one-on-one to create a chance and was incredibly direct and energetic. Exciting player.
Was his usual composed self. Didn't put a foot wrong.
Brief cameo. Didn't have much of an impact.
Looked lively and keen to take on his man. Lacked a finishing edge but showed a vast improvement on where he was at the start of the campaign. Starting to see Emery's fingerprints on him.
It was a frustrating match all around, but not a horrible performance from Villa. They lacked the consistency they've shown as of late and let Fulham boss the game for long periods.
That can't happen if Unai Emery's men hope to continue their strong Champions League form in midweek. They take on Barcelona at the Camp Nou on Tuesday in what is one of the most exciting away days in recent history for the Villa faithful.
The post Aston Villa Player Ratings In Frustrating Draw Vs Fulham appeared first on Stadium Rant .
