Fulham boss explains decision to start Harry Wilson on the bench in Aston Villa defeat

Marco Silva explained that Harry Wilson was dropped from his starting line-up for Sunday’s game against Aston Villa for tactical reasons.

Wilson, who started last weekend and impressed against Manchester United after coming off the bench to assist Joao Palhinha’s equalising goal at Brighton the week before, started on the bench with Bobby De Cordova-Reid taking his place on the right of midfield.

The Welsh international was introduced at half-time at Villa Park with Silva’s side 2-0 down and immediately made Fulham better in attack.

Wilson created Raul Jimenez’ consolation goal with a perfectly-weighted pass to Antonee Robinson that allowed the left-back to square for the striker to tap home.

 “He knows why he didn’t start this game,” said Silva. “It was a strategic decision. I already told him that he deserved to start the game.

“It was something I wanted to do to have a different profile.

“He did the same game against Brighton, and the same against Man United – he was one of our best players on the pitch and he will be one of the best players on the pitch in the future.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD