- Fulham 1-0 Aston Villa at half-time
- Ryan Sessegnon (43′)
A momentary lapse in the Villa defence was all it took for Ryan Sessegnon to break the deadlock. His clinical strike on the cusp of the interval ensures Fulham heads into the dressing room with a slim 1-0 lead and all the momentum.
The opening 20 minutes was an even affair. Both teams were happy to defend in a compact shape when out of possession, and when going forward Villa were rather narrow.
Saska Lukic had the best chance, after winning the ball high up the pitch. However, he was unable to open himself up enough to find the corner, and it was comfortably saved by Martinez.
Fulham’s press was causing the Villans problems when they were playing out from the back. At times they were able to get the ball into Tielemans, who was in space, but they mostly struggled to get it into their maestro.
Just after the half-an-hour mark, Rogers had a great chance to give his side the lead. They broke the press, and McGinn played a first time ball over the top for the Englishman to chase he cut inside, drove into the box, and struck just wide of the post.
Only a couple of minutes later, it was Watkins who had an opportunity. Cash played a ball in the air, into the striker, who showed some fantastic centre-forward play to hold off Andersen. He broke free and drilled a shot across goal, missing the far corner.
At the stroke of half-time, Sesessegon broke the deadlock. The Cottagers managed to avoid Villa’s press, which left them out of shape, and they attacked down the right. Castagne wipped a dangerous cross into the box, and Lukic headed straight at Martinez.
After the initial save, the ball fell to Sessegnon who rifled it home to make it 1-0.
Fulham head into the break one goal to the good.
Here are Read Aston Villa’s first-half player ratings:
Emi Martinez – 6
The Argentinian made a series of comfortable saves that weren’t really testing, but was unable to parry Lukic’s header away from danger, leading to the opener. He was composed on the ball despite Fulham’s intense press.
Matty Cash – 6
Cash hasn’t had a lot to do in the first half. Most of the play was in the central areas, and he hasn’t been able to get forward, when Villa had the ball.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Konsa has been on the ball a lot for Unai Emery’s side. Despite being put under intense pressure, the centre-back only failed to complete two passes out of his 38. Defensively, he was unable to block Sessegnon’s strike, but otherwise hasn’t been tested.
Pau Torres – 6
Like Konsa, Torres has seen the ball a fair amount. He’s been able to drive forward at times, but has played a couple of loose passes.
Lucas Digne – 6
The Frenchman only made 8 passes in the first half. Only once has he bombed forward, but has really been out of the game for Villa.
Lamare Bogarde – 6
Although most of the play was in his area, Bogarde hasn’t needed to do too much. He’s made 14/14 passes, but has lost all four of his ground duels
Youri Tielemans – 7
Tielemans has done well defensively. He’s won the ball in key areas, and has made up for the absence of Onana. In possession, he hasn’t been able to break the lines with his passing as much has he has done in previous games.
John McGinn – 6
The captain is another who hasn’t been involved in the game. He’s done well to hold onto the ball when under pressure, but has didn’t break forward.
Morgan Rogers – 6
Rogers hasn’t been able to influence the game too much in the first half. He’s lost the ball a few times, and apart from his chance to take the lead, he hasn’t got into dangerous areas.
Emi Buendía – 7
Despite being out of position for the goal, due to his press, Buendía has had a solid game. He’s picked the pockets and done well to link with Watkins, but has moved the ball too slowly.
Ollie Watkins – 7
Watkins has looked very dangerous in the opening 45 minutes. He’s held up the ball well, and had chances to pull out wide and drive forward. The 30-year-old has certainly been Villa’s best player.
