[AMERICANS ABROAD] The troubles for the Americans at Fulham and Aston Villa continued as both clubs lost at home on Boxing Day.

Fulham's 3-1 loss to West Ham United left it in the relegation zone, tied for 18th place with Wolves, which also fall at home, 2-1, to . Clint Dempsey went off early in the second half, and Eddie Johnson came on later in the game.

Brad Friedel and Eric Lichaj started for Aston Villa in its 2-1 defeat at home to Tottenham. It left French manager Ger ard Houllier with only three wins in 12 league games since arriving in Birmingham six games into the season.

Both Johnson and Lichaj had late chances to score. Johnson's shot was stopped by Robert Green, while Lichaj's shot from close range hit the side netting.