Aston Villa vs Fulham LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction

The 2023/24 Premier League season is under way and you can follow every game and every goal right here with The Independent.

This year sees Manchester City try to defend their crown and claim a historic fourth title in succession. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City, who also won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, will have to see off Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and the rest to claim an unprecedented sixth league title in seven years.

Meanwhile Luton Town are making their first appearance in the Premier League, having risen from non-league in an incredible decade of progress. They followed Championship winners Burnley and second-placed Sheffield United in earning promotion to the top flight.

Follow the latest action from the Premier League below.

Aston Villa FC 3 - 1 Fulham FC

Aston Villa vs Fulham

16:09

Relentless in their dominance at fortress Villa Park, Aston Villa post their 13th straight home win in the Premier League, seeing off struggling Fulham despite performing a little below their best. Unai Emery's side cruised to a two-goal lead at half-time, but even after extending their advantage with a rapid counter-attack, their visitors continued to test them and deservedly notched a consolation strike as Jimenez scored his first league goal for well over a year. The Villans start a league campaign with six straight home wins for the first time since 1959, and they will resume with a tough test at Tottenham after the upcoming international break. Fulham, meanwhile, will next host Wolves having suffered back-to-back defeats. That's all from our live coverage today, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!

Aston Villa vs Fulham

16:02

FULL-TIME: ASTON VILLA 3-1 FULHAM

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:58

Popping up on the left flank, Douglas Luiz drives into a dangerous position before flashing his cross just past several bodies inside Fulham's six-yard box; it eventually skips away to safety.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:58

Yellow Card Harrison James Reed

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:57

There will be at least seven minutes of added time at the end of this second half, as Aston Villa close in on their 13th straight home win in the Premier League.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:57

At full stretch just outside his own area, Ream does well to intercept a raking pass by Douglas Luiz towards the lurking Watkins, who is keen to expose Fulham's stretched defence.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:57

Yellow Card Carlos Vinícius Alves Morais

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:54

Having been helped off the pitch, Bailey has been assessed and is fit enough to resume his role in Villa's attack. We are back under way. That's added a chunk of stoppage-time on to the end of this game.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:53

After a frantic period of play at Villa Park, the action is momentarily paused as Bailey drops to the turf with what looks like a possible muscular injury. He requires treatment from the medics.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:52

OFF THE BAR! Villa almost grab their fourth goal! McGinn evades Bassey on the left byline, then cuts the ball back into the box; it strikes Joao Palhinha before spinning up onto Leno's crossbar - then Watkins somehow nods the rebound off-target. Bailey then flashes a follow-up shot wide!!

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:47

Taking his chance to shoot from distance, Iwobi receives the ball from Willian and tests Martinez with a low shot skimmed along the turf. It's ultimately a simple enough save for the Villa goalkeeper, though.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:45

No less than 42 per cent of the action has taken place in Aston Villa's defensive third over the last 15 minutes - the hosts are under sustained pressure, but can they hang on to their lead until full-time?

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:45

Yellow Card Ezri Konsa Ngoyo

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:45

Substitution Willian Borges da Silva Adama Traoré Diarra

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:45

Substitution Alexander Chuka Iwobi Harrison James Reed

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:42

After Carlos Vinicius gets in behind the Villa back four, he forces a shot towards the near post, where Martinez has to make a smart save. The flag then goes up for offside in any case, but Fulham are posing a regular threat now.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:38

After the livewire Bailey zips inside from the right, Tielemans picks up possession and mishits a tame low shot straight at Leno, who makes a straightforward save.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:37

Substitution Andreas Hugo Hoelgebaum Pereira Thomas Cairney

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:36

Yellow Card Alexander Chuka Iwobi

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:34

Though Castagne steals the ball from McGinn deep in Aston Villa territory, he then loses the ball carelessly and the hosts break forward on a counter-attack. However, it comes to nothing in the end.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:34

Assist Antonee Robinson

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:33

Goal Raúl Alonso Jiménez Rodríguez

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:28

Yellow Card Oliver George Arthur Watkins

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:28

Yellow Card Antonee Robinson

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:27

Assist Leon Patrick Bailey Butler

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:26

Goal Oliver George Arthur Watkins

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:26

Pereira's first-time ball across the box picks out Willian on the right. The Brazilian winger skips inside before finding the side-netting with a low effort that prompts Martinez to make a precautionary dive down to his near post.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:25

Substitution Moussa Diaby Leon Patrick Bailey Butler

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:24

Turning things on their head possession-wise, Fulham have had some 60 per cent of the ball during the opening part of this second half. They were starved of the ball before half-time, but that's all changed now.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:23

Wilson now shoots off target, as the visitors continue to pose problems for a Villa side that has lost momentum since the interval.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:21

There's no doubt that Fulham have improved markedly since half-time, and their latest attack concludes with Iwobi slashing a low strike well wide of the right-hand post. The ball broke to him invitingly 20 yards out, but that was far from a confident finish.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:17

Cash steps inside from the right, and after reaching the edge of the area decides not to play in a team-mate but instead curls a shot at goal. Again, he barely tests Leno, who is able to pluck the ball out of the gloomy air.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:15

Another Fulham raid forward ends with Martinez making a more straightforward intervention this time, as Castagne's dangerous ball across from the right wing is cut out by Villa's goalkeeper.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:15

Yellow Card João Maria Lobo Alves Palhares Costa Palhinha Gonçalves

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:13

OFF THE POST! Fulham almost pull a goal back early in the second half, but after Iwobi flicks a ball through for Jimenez on the right side of the box, the visitors' centre-forward sees his low driven shot tipped onto the far post by Martinez! Then, Willian skies his attempt from the rebound!

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:10

Aston Villa kick off, and we are back under way in Birmingham!

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:08

Fulham have now failed to score a first-half goal in 10 of their 12 Premier League fixtures this term, and only Luton Town (11) have failed to find the net more often before half-time. Marco Silva's side have fared slightly better after the interval, though, so maybe getting a goal back early in the second half could bring them into contention for a point.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:07

Substitution Bobby Armani De Cordova-Reid Harry Wilson

Aston Villa vs Fulham

15:00

While not at their fluent best, Aston Villa have maintained their dominance of Villa Park during the first half, leaving Fulham floundering and perhaps bound for back-to-back defeats. Apart from two tame efforts from distance, the visitors have posed their hosts little threat, and an own goal from Robinson followed by McGinn's precise strike puts Villa in charge at the break. Unai Emery's side are unbeaten in 19 Premier League matches after taking the lead - including seven wins out of seven this season - so it would take an improbable Fulham fightback to stop them claiming maximum points today.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:55

HALF-TIME: ASTON VILLA 2-0 FULHAM

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:55

Willian cuts in from the left flank and puts Cash on the back foot, but his low curling shot from outside the area is easily fielded by Martinez, who drops down to complete the catch. That's surely that for the first half.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:53

Douglas Luiz sends a corner from the left towards Kamara on the edge of the area, although the Villa midfielder can't make useful contact, the ball then falls to Pau Torres, whose hurried shot is skewed well wide.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:51

In the first minute of first-half stoppage time, Jimenez turns and sends a 20-yard snapshot curling towards the target. It lacks enough pace or bend, though, and ends up as simple catching practice for Martinez.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:50

Revelling in his freedom to break forward, McGinn has now contributed to goals in each of his last four home games in the Premier League - two of his own and two assists. Villa have also scored 12 first-half goals in as many league matches, and only Manchester City (13) have netted more this season.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:44

Goal John McGinn

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:44

The hosts are pressing hard for a second goal now, and Watkins claims for a foul deep in Fulham territory. After his appeals are ignored, McGinn is then felled by Jimenez around 30 yards from goal in a central position - that's a Villa free-kick.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:42

SAVE! A superb diagonal ball by Pau Torres finds Cash on the right. The Poland international drifts inside into a shooting position, just inside Fulham's box, but he is just off balance while striking the ball on his weaker foot and his effort flies straight at Leno, who deals with it comfortably.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:41

Covering across from left-back, Robinson does well to intercept a throughball from Douglas Luiz towards Diaby, and Fulham are holding firm.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:39

Villa are still in control here, but Fulham are taking the occasional opportunity to probe the home side's defence. The Cottagers' lack of first-half goals looks set to continue, though.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:37

A long ball over the top beats Villa's high line, and Pereira is almost clean through on goal; however, the ball skips up off the greasy turf and allows Konsa to make a last-gasp clearance. His foot was quite high there, but the officials take no action.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:34

As Aston Villa have won every Premier League game they've taken the lead in this season - and Fulham have picked up just one point after going behind - the writing is perhaps on the wall already. Still, there's plenty of time left to play at Villa Park.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:29

Own goal Antonee Robinson

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:29

Fulham are definitely growing in confidence now, having survived some early pressure. However, Aston Villa's high defensive line does its job again, as Willian is caught offside just inside the home side's half.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:27

After a swift passing move in the final third, Iwobi's cutback from the right byline picks out Pereira just inside Villa's area. The latter's shot forces Martinez to dive across and make a sharp save, but Iwobi was offside in any case, and the hosts will have a free-kick.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:25

After Tielemans makes a superb sliding tackle deep in his own half, McGinn drives forward from midfield and some space opens up for Villa's captain. However, his layoff to Diaby in the box is delayed just too long and the French forward's shot is blocked, before the assistant's flag is raised for offside.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:22

Villa are on a run of four straight home wins against Fulham - two in the Premier League and two in the Championship - while the London club's only league victory in their past 19 visits to Villa Park came back in April 2014. The early evidence suggests those trends could continue today.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:20

Joao Palhinha is back on his feet now and resumes his role in Fulham's midfield, as Villa pick up where they left off and push forward again.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:19

Having been clattered by Konsa in a 50-50 challenge, Joao Palhinha is left in a heap on the soggy Villa Park turf, and the action is paused while he receives treatment.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:18

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the hosts have had 72 per cent of the possession thus far, and their passing accuracy is some 20 per cent higher than Fulham's. Aston Villa are a formidable team to conquer on home turf right now, and their latest visitors have started quite meekly.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:15

The referee has certainly taken a lenient approach so far, as Jimenez mistimes a tackle from behind on Konsa but also avoids a yellow card.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:14

NO PENALTY! After a brief review of the evidence, the referee concurs with his colleague in the VAR room and rules out Villa's penalty-kick! The ball did not touch Castagne's arm. Fulham survive another scare!

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:13

PENALTY FOR VILLA! Following Diaby's cross from the left, Watkins arrives in the centre of Fulham's box and turns the ball towards goal. It's blocked by Castagne at close range, but seems to have touched the defender's arm! It's an early spot-kick for the Villans! However, the VAR has called the referee across to review it on the pitchside monitor!

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:10

SAVE! Villa have the first gilt-edged opening, as Diaby meets Digne's cutback near the penalty spot but can only sweep his first-time shot straight at Leno! The Fulham goalkeeper palms it away, and the visitors escape!

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:08

McGinn is perhaps fortunate to avoid an early booking after lunging into a challenge on Joao Palhinha in midfield. He arrived too late and clearly caught the Fulham man, but only a free-kick is given.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:07

After a fast-paced start to the game, Aston Villa try to seize control by keeping possession at the back, and an overhit back-pass temporarily has Yashin Trophy-winner Martinez in a little trouble before he calmly deals with it.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

14:03

Following a minute's silence on Remembrance Sunday, Fulham kick off, and we are under way in Birmingham.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:58

The players are out on the pristine pitch at Villa Park, and kick-off is now just moments away!

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:50

Still seeking an end to his long Premier League goal drought, Raul Jimenez starts up front for Fulham, as Rodrigo Muniz is ruled out after injuring his knee last week. Bobby De Cordova-Reid replaces Willian in the visitors' only other change. Former Villa winger Traore is back on the bench following a layoff, but Issa Diop and fellow defender Tosin Adarabioyo remain sidelined.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:46

Villa make a trio of changes from their 2-1 win over AZ: the injured Diego Carlos is replaced by Pau Torres, while Matty Cash and Douglas Luiz come in for Clement Lenglet and Leon Bailey. Tielemans retains his place, so Zaniolo must make do with a place on the bench.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:46

SUBS: Marek Rodak, Harrison Reed, Harry Wilson, Adama Traore, Kenny Tete, Sasa Lukic, Fode Ballo-Toure, Tom Cairney, Carlos Vinicius.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:42

FULHAM (4-2-3-1): Bernd Leno; Timothy Castagne, Tim Ream, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson; Alex Iwobi, Joao Palhinha; Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Andreas Pereira, Willian; Raul Jimenez.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:42

SUBS: Robin Olsen, Bertrand Traore, Leander Dendoncker, Clement Lenglet, Leon Bailey, Calum Chambers, Nicolo Zaniolo, Jhon Duran, Alex Moreno.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:38

ASTON VILLA (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz, Youri Tielemans; Moussa Diaby, Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:38

After losing 1-0 at home to Manchester United last weekend, Fulham slipped further xxdown the Premier League standings and they sit 16th ahead of today's game. The Cottagers are yet to suffer consecutive league defeats in 2023-24, though, despite an apparent lack of firepower up front. With a meagre tally of nine league goals so far this season, Marco Silva's men are also on a run of seven straight matches without scoring in the first half.

Aston Villa vs Fulham line-ups

13:32 , Mike Jones

Aston Villa XI:

Fulham XI:

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:34

Aston Villa may have slipped up at Nottingham Forest last week, missing a chance to move into the Premier League's top four, but they bounced back straight away by beating AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League on Thursday. Now vying for a 13th top-flight home win in succession for the first time in 40 years, the Birmingham club have scored three goals or more in each of their five league games at Villa Park this season. Today, Unai Emery's side can equal a club record of 21 Premier League victories in a calendar year.

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:34

Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Premier League clash between Aston Villa and Fulham at Villa Park!

Aston Villa vs Fulham

13:00

Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…