Calvin Bassey rues missed chances as Fulham draw at Aston Villa

Calvin Bassey says Fulham should have taken all three points from their 1-1 Premier League draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday, despite praising the visitors’ performance.

Aston Villa moved in front six minutes before half-time when Nicolas Jackson converted Johan Manzambi’s assist.

Fulham responded four minutes after the hour mark, with Zion Suzuki’s own goal bringing Marco Silva’s side level and setting up a tense finish.

Bassey was pleased with Fulham’s display against a Villa team he described as a quality opponent, but felt the visitors were let down by their finishing.

“It was a good away performance. We know how hard it is to come here against a team with a lot of quality. I’m proud of the boys; they did well,” Bassey told the club’s official website.

The Nigeria international believes Fulham had enough opportunities to leave with a victory, particularly after failing to convert two chances from close range.

“We should have got more. We missed two chances inside the six-yard box,” he said.

“Of course, I know the boys are working their socks off to get into those positions and finish. We could have taken all three points, but we’ve got to keep positive.”

The draw extended Fulham’s unbeaten run to three Premier League matches, with the west London club collecting seven points and conceding only once across those games.

Bassey also pointed to the improving understanding within the squad as a reason for Fulham’s recent progress.

The defender said the players were becoming more accustomed to their individual responsibilities and to the way their manager wants them to play. He believes that continued work on their tactical approach can lead to stronger performances in the weeks ahead.

“Since the start of the season, we’ve been improving each week. Everyone is working hard and has bought into how the manager wants us to play, understanding each other,” Bassey added.

“Hopefully, things keep going up from here.”