With Fulham having more attempts, shots on target, and possession, than Aston Villa, it was put to Marco Silva that his side would have been good value for a point.
“100 per cent,” he agreed. “It wasn't our best performance, for sure, during the first half. The first goal we conceded had a big impact in the game and gave them the confidence that they can control the game in a different way.
“Until that moment, the game was really balanced, not any team on the front foot really, both teams respecting themselves and with a plan.
“We knew what we were capable to do and our plan for the game, but a goal can change everything. First half, not at [our] level but really not many chances for them as well.
“I think we reacted well beginning of the second half. We had some dangerous moments, we were trying to control the game, playing more in our offensive half, but we cannot concede goals the way we did this afternoon.
“I think we were really punished by that second goal. Really sloppy, the way we defended that moment, and was like a big punch on ourselves, the second goal. The team broke a little bit, but the reaction after the moment that we scored for 2-1, completely lifted ourselves and was a completely different team.”
After Rodrigo Muniz scored his fourth goal in three games to half the deficit, it was all Fulham, but a deserved equaliser proved elusive.
“From that moment, last 20 minutes, just Fulham was on the pitch, pushing them back,” Silva said. “It was our obligation to react and to try to equalise the game.
“We had chances with Adama, with Alex Iwobi, with Rodrigo, the free-kick with Harry Wilson. We had more than one or two chances to equalise the game.
“Unfortunately we didn't, but this afternoon was not just about the chances we missed in the last 15-20 minutes, it was the way we conceded goals as well. Because of that, we didn’t achieve a different result that I really believe we deserved.”
Another blot on the afternoon was a 10th booking of the season for João Palhinha.
That means a two-game ban for the midfielder, but Silva views it as an opportunity for a player to follow Muniz’s example and take the opportunity with both hands.
“It is what it is. He’s going to be out and another player has to step in. I think inside our football club, we have a good example with what's happened last two weeks with Rodrigo.
“When everyone is making a big story about that situation, a player steps into the responsibility to get his chance. And he's doing really well and he's helping the team.
“It has to happen the same with another player that is going to be in João’s position and to play the next games. That's all he can do, he can take the responsibility and step in and show his quality, because we have quality inside our squad to replace him.”