Aston Villa Player Ratings In Frustrating Draw Vs Fulham

Here are the player ratings:

Zion Suzuki – 7

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.

Matty Cash – 6

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.

Víctor Lindelöf – 6

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.

Pau Torres – 6

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.

Ian Maatsen – 7

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.

Boubacar Kamara – 6

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.

Leon Goretzka – 7

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.

Alysson – 7

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.

John McGinn – 5

Rattled the woodwork with his penalty, but otherwise was his dependable self. Struggled to make a proper impact on the match.

Johan Manzambi – 6.5

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 – 7.5

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.

Substitutes

Emi Buendia (Alysson 66’) – 6

Worked hard, but didn’t have too much of an impact moving forward. Made a good block after coming on.

Ibrahim Mbaye (Goretzka 66’) – 7

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.

Joao Gomes (Manzambi 66’) – 6

Was his usual composed self. Didn’t put a foot wrong.

Ross Barkley (Kamara 79’) – 6

Brief cameo. Didn’t have much of an impact.

Alejandro Garnacho (McGinn 87’) – 6

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.

End of My Aston Villa Rant

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.