Aston Villa player ratings v Fulham: Three 'at fault' players score 5/10 but four 'outstanding' stars earn 8s

Morgan Rogers’ deflected first-half effort, a ruthless header from Ollie Watkins and an own goal from Issa Diop completed an outstanding turnaround for Unai Emery’s men at Craven Cottage, aided too by a 64th-minute red card for Joachim Andersen.

Fulham, who took just five minutes to take the lead through an in-form Raul Jimenez, started the better of the two teams and rued a missed penalty later in the first half. Jimenez’s opener was route one at its finest as one long ball from goalkeeper Bernd Leno unlocked Villa’s defence and Pau Torres let the ball bounce, affording Jimenez the space to shoot into the bottom right corner.

It didn’t take long for Villa to respond, though, as Rogers equalised with a deflected strike from range. The attacking midfielder had every right to have a pop from around 25 yards but the manner in which he found the net was very fortuitous; Leno was completely wrong-footed as the ball took a wicked deflection off Calvin Bassey and looped in.

The hosts were awarded their penalty in the 25th minute after a VAR check punished Matty Cash for a needless handball. Jimenez’s header was blocked by Cash, who had both arms outstretched in an unnatural position. Although it was at very close range, Villa’s number two definitely shouldn’t have had his arms in such an unnatural position.

Cash was spared his blushes as Emiliano Martinez, so often Villa’s hero, was the visitors’ protagonist yet again. The goalkeeper guessed the right way to deny Pereira from the spot before roaring into celebration in the aftermath, along with the 2,700-strong away support tucked away behind him.

The frantic nature of the tie carried over into the second period as Villa missed several chances through Rogers and Watkins before eventually taking the lead in the 59th minute. Watkins propelled Villa ahead with an outstanding header in off the crossbar, assisted by a Tielemans corner.

Villa extended their advantage just 10 minutes later as Lucas Digne’s cross was guided into his own net by Diop, who had only been introduced 60 seconds earlier. It was a a fairly routine coast to securing all three points from that point on, even despite substitute Jaden Philogene seeing red in stoppage time for two bookable offences.

The Villans’ fifth victory in eight games soars them up to fourth in the Premier League standings, one point behind leaders Liverpool. Here’s how BirminghamWorld reporter Charlie Haffenden rated the players.

How the Aston Villa players rated in 3-1 win at Fulham

Emiliano Martinez - 8

Dived to his left to deny Pereira from the penalty spot in what was an absolutely vital moment in the first half. Made further saves from Jimenez and Diop.

Matty Cash - 5

Gave away the penalty with a needless outstretch of the arms to block a Jimenez header. Otherwise put in a decent shift at right-back.

Diego Carlos - 7

Solid defensively for the most part as Villa weren’t really made to miss Ezri Konsa. Picked out a couple of great long-rang pings to Digne on the far side.

Pau Torres - 5

At fault for Jimenez’s opener as he allowed the long pass to bounce and let the striker get goal side. Improved afterward and looked as assured as ever with his passing.

Lucas Digne - 8

Provided good width at left wing-back and profited from that, crossing in for the Diop own goal. Kept Smith Rowe and Adama Traore at bay for the most part but was booked for a reckless challenge on Wilson.

Amadou Onana - 7 (off 75’)

Broke up the play effectively as he regularly chopped in to halt the advances of Smith Rowe and Iwobi.

Youri Tielemans - 8

Assisted Watkins’ winner with an inch-perfect corner and showed off a terrific passing range throughout, creating other opportunities for Watkins and Rogers. Hardly looked fazed when pressed by several players at a time, either.

Jacob Ramsey - 7 (off 83’)

Assisted Rogers’ goal, albeit with a pretty straightforward pass. Created an even better chance for Rogers later in the half, but it was fired wide.

Leon Bailey - 6 (off 61’)

Occasionally caused problems for Robinson and Bassey but let his first touch get away from him too often. Booked for dissent in the first half.

Morgan Rogers - 7 (off 83’)

A little fortuitous to score Villa’s equaliser as his shot took a wicked deflection. He did well to craft the space, though, and deserved his goal for adding impetus to attacks. Missed a couple of great chances to add to his tally in the first half.

Ollie Watkins - 8 (off 75’)

Scored the crucial second goal with a terrific header, converting from a Tielemans corner. Made some superb runs, one of which caused Andersen’s sending off. Saw two attempts saved by Leno rushing out prior to his goal.

Jaden Philogene - 5 (on 61’)

Sent off for two yellow cards, one in the 88th minute and the other in stoppage time. The second seemed very harsh for the slightest push on Wilson.