John Townley's Aston Villa player ratings with 8s and 9s as Fulham beaten 3-1 at Craven Cottage

Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as Unai Emery's side defeat Fulham at Craven Cottage

Aston Villa beat Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage to make their best start to a Premier League campaign after eight games since 1998-99.

Villa came from behind to claim their fifth Premier League win of the season as Morgan Rogers cancelled out Raul Jimenez's opener inside the first 10 minutes, before Emi Martinez denied Andreas Pereira from the penalty spot. Ollie Watkins put the away side ahead on the hour mark and Issa Diop put the ball in the back of his own net.

Villa opened up their two-goal lead shortly after Joachim Andersen was sent off for denying Watkins a goal-scoring opportunity in the 64th minute. Jaden Philogene - who came on in the second half - was also sent off after collecting two yellow cards in five minutes at the end of the match.

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Jimenez's opening goal was very much avoidable from Villa’s point of view as the Mexico international chased Bernd Leno’s punt up the pitch before he held off Pau Torres and fired past Martinez.

Rogers’ deflected strike from outside the box restored parity for Villa just four minutes later, before Jimenez then passed up on a golden chance to restore the lead as he headed wide from close range.

Fulham were then awarded a penalty after a handball from Matty Cash inside the box. Referee Darren England initially waved away Fulham’s claims, but he was advised to check his decision at the VAR monitor and then gave the spot-kick.

Pereira was denied by Martinez from the spot as the Villa goalkeeper pounced on the ball after diving to his left. Villa then took control of the game before the break and should have put themselves in the lead given the quality of chances they made.

Having been picked out by Diego Carlos with a long switch, Lucas Digne had the opportunity to roll the ball across the box for Ollie Watkins to convert, but decided to find Rogers instead. After that move broke down, Rogers then failed to apply the finishing touch to Jacob Ramsey’s pinpoint cross when he ought to have doubled his and his side’s tally in the first half.

Watkins put Villa ahead on the hour mark as he headed the ball past Leno from Tielemans' corner. After Andersen receieved his marching order for pulling Watkins down as he made his way to goal, Villa then scored their third when Digne's cross was put in the net by Fulham defender Diop.

Villa will now prepare for their third Champions League league phase match on Tuesday night against Bologna at Villa Park (8pm kick-off).

Player ratings

Emi Martinez

Martinez denied Pereira from the spot after guessing which way the Brazilian was going to roll his penalty. It was a poor spot-kick, but the credit should always go to the 'keeper for saving a penalty. 9

Matty Cash

It was Cash's handball which gave Fulham the chance to regain the lead in the first half. His arm was outstretched, but nobody wants to see penalties awarded for handballs when there's hardly any space between the ball and arm. As Digne pushed on down the opposite flank, Cash played in a more reserved role and dealt with Alex Iwobi well. 8

Diego Carlos

Carlos started the game as Konsa wasn't fully fit to player from the off. He played an excellent ball across the pitch to find Digne in space on the flank late in the first half. It was a strong showing from Carlos. 8

Pau Torres

Torres was at fault for Fulham's opening goal as he failed to deny Jimenez the chance to fire Fulham into the lead. He responded well after that early error and helped Villa control the game in different periods of the match. 7

Lucas Digne

Digne should have rolled the ball across goal for a tap in for Watkins just before half-time, but chose another option. He had plenty of joy attacking down his wing and was an effective outlet again as he helped Villa open up a two-goal lead as his cross was turned in by Diop. Mr. Consistent. 8

Amadou Onana

Onana nipped in a few times in midfield to regain possession of the ball. He has a strong understanding with compatriot Tielemans. 8

Youri Tielemans

Tielemans kept it all ticking in the middle of the park and threaded a few excellent passes into the final third. The Belgian found Watkins inside the box in the 18th minute but the forward failed to convert the chance. 8

Leon Bailey

Bailey looked sharp at the start of the first half, coming off the right flank to commit defenders and make things happen. But his influence faded before he was taken off in the second half. 6

Jacob Ramsey

Ramsey enjoyed his best performance of the season so far. He linked play excellently off the left side, particularly with Digne and Rogers. 8

Morgan Rogers

Rogers scored his second for the season in the ninth minute and could have bagged another two before the break. He was sharp in and around the box, but will probably be frustrated he didn't get more than the one goal this afternoon. 8

Ollie Watkins

Watkins did as best as he could to get the better of Andersen and Calvin Bassey, who have formed a strong partnership at the heart of Fulham's defence. He had one sight of goal in the first half when he was played in by Tielemans, but he appeared to take a bit of a heavy touch on his left side, allowing Leno to get out and deny him. His movement in the box was top and his header to beat Leno and send Villa into the lead was outstanding. 8

SUBS

Jaden Philogene (for Bailey, 61'): Philogene was sent off after picking up two yellow cards just five minutes apart at the end of the game.

Ross Barkley (for Onana, 75'): N/A

Jhon Duran (for Bailey, 75'): N/A

Emi Buendia (for Ramsey, 83'): N/A

John McGinn (for Rogers, 83'): N/A

Subs not used: Gauci, Konsa, Maatsen, Kamara.

GOALS

Fulham: Jimenez (5')

Aston Villa: Rogers (9'), Watkins (60'), Diop (OG, 69')

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