Zion Suzuki cost Aston Villa a victory against Fulham by scoring a strange own goal, turning his performance from hero to zero. The goalkeeper had previously made multiple saves to protect his reputation as one of the top summer signings after replacing Chelsea-bound Emi Martinez.
Nicolas Jackson had given Villa the lead with his eighth goal of the season following a precise pass from Johan Manzambi. Jackson shook off two defenders and used clever footwork to carve out space for his shot.
However, Fulham kept the pressure on, and Alex Iwobi delivered a corner into the box in the 64th minute. Suzuki tried to punch the ball away under pressure but fumbled it over the goal line, with goal-line technology confirming the score as he attempted to clear it.
Earlier in the match, John McGinn missed a penalty in the 14th minute after Leon Goretzka headed the ball onto the raised hand of Sander Berge. Referee Sam Barrott reviewed the pitchside monitor before awarding the spot-kick, but McGinn hit the crossbar.
Aston Villa now prepares to face Barcelona on Tuesday in the Champions League. Meanwhile, club chairman Nassef Sawiris recently started legal action following comments made by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on a podcast, which led to an apology from Carragher less than 24 hours later.
