Fulham vs Aston Villa: Premier League – BBC Sport

Pereira's penalty had all the hallmarks of a classic miss: sunshine in the eyes, exaggerated stuttering run-up, pause before hitting the ball and a weak finish marred by indecision.

At the start of the game, the Brazilian had played more passes in the penalty area than any other Premier League player.

Presumably his attempt to play the ball into the net from 12 yards after Fulham had been awarded a penalty does not count towards this tally.

However, some praise goes to Martinez. The World Cup-winning Argentine goalkeeper left his jump as late as possible and was not dissuaded by any attempt to give him “the eyes”.

Martinez was part of Villa's foreign squad that has not been on international duty in recent weeks and was banned for two games by FIFA for offensive behavior during World Cup qualifying in September.

No doubt the 32-year-old would have spent the week at Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground studying Pereira's spot-kicks for such a scenario and the homework paid off.

Pantomime villain Martinez inevitably took advantage of the moment by kissing the Villa badge on his goalkeeper's shirt and gesturing towards the Craven Cottage crowd.

The miss hampered Fulham's start and gave Unai Emery's side momentum before Watkins struck with a typical Poacher goal, firing a header past Leno after a clever move at the corner of the six-yard box.

Villa are now unbeaten in their first four away league games for the first time since 2006/07. With some of their long-term injured players also recovering, they look to be a force to be reckoned with.