The Tanner Report: Fulham 1 Aston Villa 2

It was a bizarre experience at Fulham yesterday.

I invited an old friend who had a season ticket a few years ago.

He had the great misfortune to be sitting next to an Aston Villla supporter who had acquired a ticket in the Home end of the Putney Stand.

He made no secret of his loyalties and was soon incurring the displeasure of Fulham fans around him.

Villa took the lead after a daft throw in from Antonee Robinson, which dropped behind Willian, who lost possession.
Jacob Ramsey of Villa charged into the box and his pass found the impressive Ollie Watkins: 0-1.

Watkins added a second when the Fulham defence opened up to increase the lead.

Both goals I not so much missed but had a “second take” after the ball was in the net.

“How did that happen?” I thought.

Rodrigo Muniz scored again, glancing the ball into the net at the near post.

Whilst admiring his fourth Premiership goal we certainly miss Alex Mitrovic’s aggression, goalscoring prowess and heading ability.

We did have our chances but Villa’s movement, organisation and passing were superior.

Fulham’s season is coming to an end.

We will not be relegated but probably will not qualify for Europe either.

I believe it was a shame that a stronger team was not picked for the Carabou Cup semi-final against Liverpool and the Cup match v Newcastle.

No doubt it will be argued that we had lost Alex Awobi and Calvin Bassey to Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations and we were pleased to see both back yesterday but – sad to say – neither the players nor fans could emulate the passion of our neighbour.