Aston Villa 3 Fulham 1 - player ratings

EMI MARTINEZ

Perhaps a little lucky not to concede a penalty in the first half and then very fortunate not to give away a goal in the second.

Uncertain: 6

MATTY CASH

Is surely in the running to be Villa’s player of the season so far. Very good in his defensive work and always an outlet in attack.

Busy: 8

EZRI KONSA

Had a few iffy moments in the first half along with the rest of the defence but saved a certain goal with a brilliant and brave block.

Block: 7

TYRONE MINGS

This was a big game for Mings after Pau Torres’ impressive performance against Bologna but he lasted barely half-an-hour before suffering injury.

Ankle: 6

LUCAS DIGNE

Set-up Watkins’ equaliser with a ball over the top and was then involved in the build-up to the third. Was typically dogged in his defending.

Assist: 7

JOHN MCGINN

Another fine performance from the skipper, to go alongside Thursday’s against Bologna. Has risen to the challenge and helped get his team up and running

Goal: 8

LAMARE BOGARDE

Improved after a difficult start when he lost Jimenez for the goal. Harried Traore into an error in the build-up to McGinn’s strike and always busy.

Energy: 7

EVANN GUESSAND

You wouldn’t call this a polished performance but there was no shortage of effort. Always willing to get stuck in.

Busy: 6

HARVEY ELLIOTT

Was the focus of the pre-match build-up but this first league start for Villa did not go to plan. Not bad but not the difference maker he desires to be.

Subbed: 6

MORGAN ROGERSThere were glimpses here of confidence returning. Still a long way from his best but he remains willing to try things.

Improvement: 6

OLLIE WATKINS

Got off the mark for the season with a brilliant finish. Looked back to somewhere near his best and never gave the visiting defence a moment of rest.

Finish: 7

SUBSTITUTES

Pau Torres 7 (for Mings, 32), Emi Buendia 8 (for Elliott, HT), Boubacar Kamara 7 (for McGinn, 71), Victor Lindelof (for Bogarde, 82), Donyell Malen (for Guessand, 83) Subs not used: Burrowes, Maatsen, Bizot (gk).