Fulham v Aston Villa player ratings
Fulham’s fantastic display against Aston Villa earned them the first win of the Rene Meulensteen era. Here’s how we rated the players in their 2-0 victory.
Maarten Stekelenburg: 8
Might have anticipated a busier afternoon but was excellent in what little he had to do. He was equal to Christian Benteke’s shot in the first half and then produced a superb save from the Belgian in injury time to preserve the clean sheet.
Sascha Riether: 6
Struggled at times with the pace of Gabriel Agbonlahor, who targeted him as a weak link in Fulham’s defence. Gradually got on top of things but failed to be truly effective offensively.
Philippe Senderos: 7
The Swiss is at his best when he does the simple things rather than trying to be too clever. At times he was guilty of trying to overplay but was also fierce in the tackle and forced a save from a corner in the second half.
Aaron Hughes: 8
Outshone his defensive partner with a fine performance against his former employers. Kept the out-of-form Benteke largely shackled and was sharp in breaking up play, although he was fortunate not to concede a penalty.
John Arne Riise: 7
After an uncertain start, he was never really threatened by the anonymous Andreas Weimann and was able to dominate and get forward as the match wore on. Hit the post with a header and also had a shot saved.
Ashkan Dejagah: 8
Looked lively throughout and created the opening goal for Steve Sidwell. Lacked consistency with his crossing but gave the Villa defence headaches with his pace.
Giorgos Karagounis: 8
Thoroughly deserved the rapturous reception he received when he was substituted following an excellent display. His vast experience, use of the ball and timing of the tackle outshone amid a callow Villa midfield.
Scott Parker: 8
Busy and hard-working, but also simple and effective with the ball, the ex-Spurs man was the driving force behind Fulham’s midfield. His commitment was underscored by the way he snapped into the tackle.
Alex Kacaniklic: 7
Threatening in the first half, when he had an effort cleared off the line and was fouled – according to referee Mike Dean, anyway – for the penalty. But the Swede was less effective in the second period, happy to let Riise do the talking down the left.
Steve Sidwell: 8
Recalled to act as the link man between Dimitar Berbatov and the midfield, Sidwell worked hard for his current club against his former side. He took his goal brilliantly, lifting it over Brad Guzan.
Dimitar Berbatov: 8
Sometimes he’s frustrating, other times he borders on genius. This was nearer the latter on the Berbatov scale, with some deft touches, a header tipped onto the woodwork and a coolly taken penalty. His sublime volleyed pass that released Dejagah for the penalty incident was the moment of the match.
Aston Villa
Unbeaten in five ahead of their trip to the Cottage, Paul Lambert’s men never threatened to compete until the closing stages. Prior to that, their young side (average age: 24) were no match for Fulham’s Dad’s Army, whose starting XI included only three players under 30. Villa’s makeshift defence wilted in the first half and their more experienced attackers barely got a kick until late in the game.
Man of the match
Berbatov – again.
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