New Delhi: After differing Europa League fortunes in midweek, Aston Villa and Fulham got back to Premier League action with the home side clinching victory in the drizzle at Villa Park.
Martin O’Neill’s side got off to the perfect start, scoring in the third minute after John Pantsil diverted Ashley Young’s wicked corner past his own goalkeeper.
The goal filled the Villans with confidence and five minutes later they carved the Whites open again.
Stiliyan Petrov worked the ball out to Nicky Shorey on the left and his cross was deflected into an onrushing Steve Sidwell who lifted a good chance over the bar.
Yet despite lacking several key players, and their somewhat weary start, Fulham began to consolidate and had a great chance to level the scores through Clint Dempsey.
Damien Duff whipped in a cross from the right to the far post where the American conspired to miss a glorious chance from close range.
Set-pieces were looking both sides’ chance of success and Villa debutant Ciaran Clark almost doubled Villa’s lead just shy of the half hour mark.
Young picked the defender out in the box, completely unmarked, but from eight yards he headed over the bar.
Villa continued to look the more threatening but had to settle for just a one goal lead at the break with Fulham struggling to work Brad Friedel in the home goal.
The second half continued in much the same vein with few chances for both teams who were both looking a little fatigued and devoid of inspiration after their midweek action.
Yet just before the hour mark Villa did manage to extend their lead with Gabriel Agbonlahor back on the scoresheet.
A throw-in fell to the striker some 40 yards from goal and he powered forwards, and with Aaron Hughes backing off, fired home a fine, low strike from the edge of the box.
The goal was the cushion Villa needed, with the visitors offering little as an attacking force and unable to force Friedel into a save over the 90 minutes.
Indeed a tepid game eventually fizzled out with the home side comfortably seeing out the final third of the game in cruise control.
Cheers rang around the ground at the final whistle and will be welcomed at Villa Park after their midweek disappointment. Fulham, meanwhile, will look forward to the respite the international break will bring after a long week.
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