Aston Villa 2 Fulham 0:Gabriel Agbonlahor helped Villa bounce back from their European exit as they easily disposed of Fulham to register their first home Premier League win of the campaign.
The England striker’s pressure forced Fulham defender John Pantsil to head into his own net for the opening goal after three minutes.
Then Agbonlahor struck the decisive second goal 14 minutes into the second period — his first of the season — to wrap up the points for Martin O’Neill’s side.
It was the perfect pick-up for Villa after failing to qualify for the group stages of the Europa League after being beaten on away goals by Rapid Vienna.
The Cottagers struggled to cope with the pace of Agbonlahor and Ashley Young plus the accurate passing of James Milner while Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell offered good support from midfield.
Villa’s territorial dominance was such that goalkeeper Brad Friedel was a virtual spectator for the entire 90 minutes and 19-year-old central defender Ciaran Clark was able to make an assured debut.
Fulham looked pedestrian and lethargic after their own European exertions against Amkar Perm in Russia in mid-week and they missed the industry of injured midfielder Danny Murphy and front duo Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora.
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