Brede Hangeland grabbed a point for Fulham at Craven Cottage with what was literally the last touch of what has been christened the “FxPro Derby”, nodding in a free kick at the far post in the 4th minute of injury time. That threatens to overshadow an awful lot of positives from a Villa side featuring two youngsters making their first starts in the Premier League.

Let’s address those positives first. Nathan Delfouneso, getting his first start thanks to being the only one of five strikers available, got himself around, was lively throughout and was in the right place on several occasions and with a little more confidence one of his three efforts on goal might have found its way into the back of the net.

The other youngster making his first start, Barry Bannan, was quite exceptional in the middle. His movement and passing exactly what we were hoping for from Stephen Ireland. If you didn’t see the game, do not miss Match of the Day later, you will be watching Albrighton’s goal over and over, unsure whether Bannan’s 40 yard pass, Albrighton’s first touch or the finish itself was the best part. Brilliant.

However, once again it was a case of being left to rue missed chances – 15 efforts on goal, six on target, one goal – and then switching off at the end of the game. Albrighton’s silly foul gifting the chance to send the ball in, Clark beaten in the air by Hangeland. It’s a pattern.

The injury woes continue, Nigel Reo-Coker forced off with a knee injury 35 minutes in, the only positive being another impressive midfield performance from Ciaran Clark replacing him. To be clear, that was a central midfield partnership of Barry Bannan and Ciaran Clark for just about an hour against an experienced Premier League side.

Stephen Ireland replaced Delfouneso for the final two minutes of normal time and picked a couple of superb first time balls out as Villa were unsure whether to shut up shop, hang out in the corners, or take advantage of the space and go for a 2nd goal, Ashley Young finally getting involved, coming close with a couple of chances.

Besides conceding the goal at the death of the game, the negatives would have to surround the less than convincing defending at times, wastefulness in front of goal and, I’m afraid to say, Ashley Young who completed one single pass in open play in Fulham’s half during the 2nd period.

The youngsters have been signing new contracts and playing brilliantly while Ashley Young has been “concentrating on his football”. Perhaps he’d do better to grab himself a pen.

Teamsheet here, Statshack later.