Former Brentford striker Ollie Watkins scored twice to lead Fulham to a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday.
The England international scored in either half, while Rodrigo Muniz’s fourth goal in three games was insufficient to save a point for the Whites.
The following are Dan Evans’ Craven Cottage player ratings.
Bernd Leno – 6
There was little to do throughout the game. Had no genuine chance of stopping either of Watkins’ goals.
Timothy Castagne – 6
He started the game well by going into a central position to pick up Jacob Ramsey, but he had a difficult afternoon after that, with the Villa midfielder doing effectively. As Fulham chased the game, they became more vulnerable in the second half.
Issa Diop – 5
Moved out of position to try to stop Youri Tielemans in the buildup to Villa’s second goal, allowing Watkins to sprint past him and double his score for the day.
Tim Ream – 6
There is nothing to complain about with the American’s performance. I was fortunate that Alex Moreno was barely beyond him for a disallowed goal at a corner in the first half. It’s possible that he was replaced in the closing minutes by Calvin Bassey, who has returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Antonee Robinson – 7.
Set up Muniz’s goal with his typical run down the left wing. Although the cross was not his greatest, it did provide the striker with an opportunity to score. Leon Bailey was given some problems at times, but he still managed to make four tackles in another solid defensive performance.
João Palhinha – 6
A congested Villa midfield often leaves him with too much to do on his own. Was left uncovered for Villa’s second goal due to a lack of support around him. Despite making four tackles, he received a card for a late challenge on John McGinn in the second half, bringing his season total to ten. He will miss Fulham’s next two games.
Tom Cairney – 7
Was typically classy, despite Villa’s setup leaving little room for him to develop. Still managed to make a few excellent long passes to either side of the pitch.
Bobby De Cordova-Reid -6
We struggled to get involved in the first half because Villa sat deep. During his 64 minutes on the pitch, he only touched the ball 21 times.
Andreas Pereira – 6.
Another difficult performance to evaluate from Pereira. Involved in some of Fulham’s good forward play, with intelligent movement and nice touches, but too often sought to rush things and squandered promising opportunities.
Willian – 6
Came off at halftime. He displayed a few glimpses of quality, but Villa’s well-organised midfield made it difficult for him to have much of an impact. Muscled off the ball on the edge of his own area prior to Watkins’ first goal.
Rodrigo Muniz – 6
Was industrious and kept himself involved in the game, scoring once more. However, his lack of control in front of goal resulted in a handful of good chances squandered in the first half.
Subs:
Alex Iwobi – 7
He impressed from the time he came on at the break. Found clever ways to harm Villa in midfield and remained significantly involved when shifting to a more central position later on. Harry Wilson picked me out, and I had a good chance to tie the game.
Harry Wilson – 7.
In his half-hour on the field, he made three critical passes. Another solid performance off the bench as Marco Silva’s attacking midfield options continue to impress.
Adama Traore – 6
Was heavily engaged after coming on late, but squandered Fulham’s best chance to equalise after being sent in by Muniz, and failed to generate any opportunities for a teammate following some trademark dribbling.
Calvin Bassey – 6
Bassey’s solid return to the team gives hope that he can maintain his good form before leaving for the AFCON.
Sasa Lukic – NA.
