Player ratings from Fulham’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa – Iwobi and Wilson shine off the bench in defeat

A brace from former Brentford striker Ollie Watkins condemned Fulham to a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The England international struck in either half, with Rodrigo Muniz’s fourth goal in three games not enough to rescue a point for the Whites.

Here are Dan Evans’ player ratings from Craven Cottage.

Bernd Leno – 6

Had little to do throughout the game. Had no real chance at keeping out either of Watkins’ goals.

Timothy Castagne – 6

Started the game well, moving into a central position to pick up Jacob Ramsey, but he was given a difficult afternoon from that point onwards with the Villa midfielder performing well. Became increasingly exposed in the second half as Fulham chased the game.

Issa Diop – 5

Moved out of position to try and halt Youri Tielemans in the build-up to Villa’s second goal and ended up allowing Watkins to run off him and double his tally for the afternoon.

Tim Ream – 6

Nothing to complain about with the American’s performance. Was slightly fortunate that Alex Moreno was just beyond him for a disallowed goal at a corner in the first half. Possibly telling that he was replaced by Calvin Bassey in the closing stages now the defender is back from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Antonee Robinson – 7

Set up Muniz’s goal with a trademark run down the left wing. Cross was not his best but still gave the striker a chance to score. Given difficulty at times by Leon Bailey yet ended up making four tackles in another decent defensive showing.

Joao Palhinha –  6

Sometimes left to do too much on his own by a packed Villa midfield. Was left exposed for Villa’s second goal with not enough help around him. Still managed to make four tackles but a booking for a late challenge on John McGinn in the second half means he is now on 10 for the season and will miss Fulham’s next two games.

Tom Cairney – 7

Was typically classy despite Villa’s set up allowing little space for him to thrive in. Still managed to rake a number of decent long passes out to either side of the pitch.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid – 6

Struggled to get involved in the first half as Villa sat deep. Only managed to touch the ball 21 times throughout his 64 minutes on the pitch.

Andreas Pereira – 6

Another difficult performance to assess from Pereira. Involved in some of Fulham’s good attacking play with intelligent movement and nice touches but all too often tried to rush things and ended up wasting promising positions.

Willian – 6

Came off at half-time. Showed a few flashes of quality but Villa’s well-organised midfield made it hard for him to have much of an influence. Muscled off the ball on the edge of his own box in the lead up to Watkins’ first goal.

Rodrigo Muniz – 6

Was busy and managed to get himself regularly involved in the game, scoring once more. However, his lack of composure in front of goal saw a couple of decent chances wasted in the first half.

Subs:

Alex Iwobi – 7

Was impressive from the moment he came on at the interval. Found intelligent positions to hurt Villa in midfield and was still heavily involved after moving to a more central position later on. Had a decent chance to level the game after being picked out by Harry Wilson.

Harry Wilson – 7

Managed to make three key passes in the half hour he spent on the pitch. Another good stint from the bench as Marco Silva’s attacking midfield options continue to impress.

Adama Traore – 6

Was very involved after coming on late on but passed up Fulham’s best chance to equalise after being played in by Muniz and failed to create any opportunites for a team-mate at the end of some characteristic dribbles.

Calvin Bassey – 6

A steady return to the team for Bassey, offering hope he can continue his fine form before he left for the AFCON.

Sasa Lukic – NA