Clint Dempsey's 10th goal of the campaign rescued a point for Fulham, after they had twice trailed to Aston Villa in a ding-dong Barclays Premier League clash at Villa Park.

Villa twice looked set for victory after a John Pantsil own goal and Kyle Walker's first ever league goal put them in the ascendancy.

But Andy Johnson and then Dempsey struck back for Mark Hughes's side.

Villa dominated the first half with winger Stewart Downing causing plenty of problems and linking up well with full-back Walker down the right flank.

Newcomer Jean Makoun also impressed in the middle of the park and Villa deservedly led through the unfortunate Pantsil.

He had also scored an own goal in the corresponding fixture last season.

But it was a different story in the second half as Villa lost momentum and the visitors grew in confidence with skipper David Murphy impressive in the middle of the park.

Villa were first to settle and Downing made a powerful run into the Fulham box and saw his low shot parried by Mark Schwarzer.

Record Villa signing Darren Bent was alert to tuck away the rebound but he had strayed marginally offside.

Downing was looking sharp and it was his quality which led to a Pantsil own goal giving Villa the lead after 13 minutes.

Makoun found the England winger on the right flank and he cut inside before delivering a teasing centre with the outside of his left foot.

Pantsil, under pressure from Gabriel Agbonlahor, could only head the ball past Schwarzer into the corner of the net.

Former Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell had Fulham's first shot on goal after 18 minutes but Brad Friedel was equal to his swerving drive from 20 yards.