Rene Meulensteen’s first win as Fulham manager – and the club’s first clean sheet since October 5 – gave the Cottagers a tally of 13 points.

That left them level with London rivals Crystal Palace and West Ham, the two clubs either side of them in the table, and in the bottom three on goal difference alone.

Villa’s defeat – their first in six league matches – meant both Swansea and Hull will have the chance to leapfrog them into the top half of the table when they meet at the Liberty Stadium on Monday.

Former Manchester United striker Berbatov was quickly into the action, his eighth-minute header tipped on to the bar by Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

Villa, however, threatened on the counterattack and Christian Benteke, who has gone goalless for nine games, headed wide before shooting straight at Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

But it was Fulham who gave former United assistant boss Meulensteen, appointed in succession to fellow Dutchman Martin Jol as the Cottagers’ boss, something to celebrate in the 21st minute.

Berbatov’s well-cushioned header fell for Ashkan Dejagah, who in turn sent Sidwell into the box, with the former Villa midfielder clipping the ball into the net.

And nine minutes later Fulham had a somewhat controversial penalty.

Alex Kacaniklic broke clear and charged into the box where he appeared to make the initial contact with Villa’s Leandro Bacuna.

But referee Mike Dean awarded a penalty and Berbatov, after selling Guzan a dummy, rolled the ball into the bottom corner.