WATCH: Emiliano Martinez makes epic penalty save against Fulham

Emiliano Martinez cleanly stopped Andreas Pereira's feeble attempt from the penalty spot. The Argentina goalie then celebrated by kissing his badge. The Fulham midfielder squandered a fantastic chance to give the home team the lead with that terrible penalty. 

In the first place, that was not a penalty kick and everyone was astonished by the official’s decision. Raul Jimenez sent the ball in the box toward the goal, but Matty Cash was struck in the hand. Despite their close proximity, it did strike his hand. When the referee approached the monitor, he issued a penalty.

🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Emiliano Martinez denies Andreas Pereira's penalty! 🇦🇷🧤pic.twitter.com/ofdexMIERz

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) October 19, 2024

After Leno found him with a long punt forward, Raul Jimenez maintained his excellent form and finished. The Mexican striker scuffs a shot towards the bottom corner after bouncing off the defender. Aston Villa was led by Morgan Rogers, who equalized with a spectacular strike but had the opportunity to score a second goal to put the away team ahead at halftime.

How have Fulham and Aston Villa fared so far this season?

Fulham has only suffered two defeats so far, both in Manchester, where they lost 1-0 against Manchester United and fought back in a tight 3-2 match versus Manchester City two weeks ago. Andreas Pereira opened the scoring with what many consider to be the season's best assist after Raul Jimenez's brilliant performance at the Etihad.

With 11 points from seven games, Fulham is now ranked eighth in the Premier League. New addition Emile Smith Rowe has put up strong performances, and veteran Raul Jimenez has returned to form. As Jimenez thrashed the Americans in Mexico on Tuesday, USMNT supporters witnessed that.

With a fifth-place position after seven weeks, Villa has handled its maiden UEFA Champions League campaign admirably and has the depth to contend for consecutive top-four finish. In their last two games, Unai Emery's team has defeated Bayern Munich and drew against Manchester United. The Villains' only defeat came against Arsenal in late August.