Fulham continued their resilient display in the Premier League holding Aston Villa to a frustrating 0-0 draw away from home at Villa Park last week.

Villa could have gone to the third place on the league table and bypassed Manchester United had they won this game, but they had only themselves to blame for this result. Skipper Gareth Barry, who has hinted he may extend his stay at the club, was guilty of missing at least two chances to seal it for the Villans.

Villa started without John Carew as the striker is suffering from back issues. Aston Villa missed his presence as he would have been very useful by using his presence to get at the end of several high quality crosses.

For Fulham, Paul Konchesky and Jimmy Bullard posed more than a few problems for Villa keeper Brad Friedel. On 24 minutes, Barry had a decent chance, but he fluffed it and directed his header just wide. On 39 minutes Steve Sidwell found himself at the end of a Ashley Young free-kick, but his header looped over the cross bar.

Clint Dempsey then tested Friedel who was forced to tip over his shot from 20 yards out. After the break, both sides had decent chances, which were not converted.

Barry found himself unmarked at the end of a Young cross, but headed it across the goal, while Schwarzer rescued Fulham when Barry looked to have headed home by tipping the ball over.