Berbatov stars as Fulham beat woeful Villa

 

Dimitar Berbatov starred as Fulham ended a run of six straight league defeats with a richly-deserved 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Craven Cottage.

Only a splendid save from Brad Guzan denied Fulham an early lead when the Villa stopper tipped Berbatov’s header onto the woodwork before a goalmouth scramble resulted in Alex Kacaniklic’s low effort being hacked off the line.
But the hosts continued to press for an opener and got their reward when Steve Sidwell outmuscled Leandro Bacuna before clipping the ball past Guzan from a tight angle.
And nine minutes later it was two: Leandro Bacuna was adjudged to have illegally bundled over Alex Kacaniklic inside the penalty area allowing Berbatov to casually stroke home from the spot.
Fulham continued to pile on the pressure after the restart with Philippe Senderos and John Arne Riise going close as the Cottagers moved level on points with 17th placed West Ham and handed Rene Meulensteen his first win as manager.