Analysis: Cottagers feel hard done by but wilted under pressure
- Published
Fulham's recent record at Villa Park is awful so defeat should not be entirely unexpected.
Boss Marco Silva could claim to feel hard done by after Josh King was booked for simulation instead of being awarded a penalty when Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez rushed out in the first half.
There was contact and Fulham felt they had a case, while they were also unhappy when a VAR review turned down any infringement after Matty Cash's hand blocked a goal-bound shot.
But ultimately, the visitors were the architects of their own downfall after failing to bury a fragile Villa side, who again looked bereft of confidence for the majority of the first half.
A failure to deal with Lucas Digne's long ball, which led to Ollie Watkins' leveller, was wretched but the reaction to it was even worse, allowing Villa to strike twice in quick succession after the break.
Their controversial defeat at Chelsea aside, it has been a positive start to the season from Silva's men but their second-half surrender will be a low point.