Zion Suzuki own goal gives Fulham 1-1 draw at Aston Villa in Premier League

Villa take the lead, then Fulham push back

Aston Villa controlled the early exchanges at Villa Park, and Leon Goretzka forced two corners before VAR spotted a handball when his header struck the arm of Sander Berge. Referee Sam Barrott awarded a penalty, but John McGinn's spot kick hit the crossbar in the 15th minute and Fulham survived. The visitors came close around the half hour, when Antonee Robinson surged forward and crossed for Oscar Bobb, whose shot was turned over by Suzuki. Nicolas Jackson then gave the hosts the lead in the 38th minute (SAPO gives the 39th), after a clever dummy from Alysson let Johan Manzambi run through and play him in.

Suzuki's error levels the match

Fulham kept up the pressure after the restart. Ian Maatsen's shot was deflected off Pau Torres, and Bernd Leno kept it out with a boot. Iwobi headed a sitter straight at Suzuki in the 63rd minute, and the rebound was deflected for a corner. From that set piece Suzuki spilled the ball behind his own line, and the own goal in the 64th minute made it 1-1. Suzuki had earlier made a strong save to deny Fulham an opener, which Emery chose to focus on afterwards.

Managers react

Arbeloa said his side's second-half performance was the team he wants to be, and he stressed the demands of the division.

“This is the Premier League, if you want to win a game, you need to fight for every ball.”

Emery said he thought the result was fair over 90 minutes, and that Villa could have won in the closing minutes after creating two good chances. He said the team is improving and understanding its structure better, but that there is still work to do. On Suzuki's error, Emery said mistakes by a goalkeeper or striker are more closely watched than those in midfield.

“It's part of football. I prefer to speak about the save he did.”

Standings and wider context

After the ninth matchday Villa sit ninth with 12 points, level with Tottenham and Bournemouth, while Fulham are 15th with nine points, level with Coventry.

Aston Villa12

Fulham9

Aston Villa

12 points

Fulham

9 points

Data from the article text

Fulham had taken four points from their last two games, and the draw came after a win over Coventry in October. Villa's inconsistent start continued, following a win over Manchester City earlier in October. The match also came amid a dispute between pundit Jamie Carragher and the club, after Carragher said Emery should want to manage Manchester United if Michael Carrick were sacked. Carragher later called his words clumsy and wrong, and Villa chairman Nassef Sawiris issued a statement promising legal action.