The Claret and Blue came out of the traps quickly, fell behind and then responded in style.
They then exploded into life with trademark pace and energy but eventually crashed when it mattered most.
The end result was a very disappointing defeat and this has been a very disappointing end to the campaign.
Danny Murphy's early penalty gave seventh spot chasing Fulham the lead, only for Ashley Young to convert from close range to level matters.
Young then hit the post but that was the last real effort that the visitors had as Diomansy Kamara scored two goals inside 13 second half minutes to hand Roy Hodgson's men a deserved victory.
Villa had gone into the game with the rare scent of victory lingering around the team bus.
A 1-0 win over Hull at Villa Park had given fans renewed hope of a good end to the season but any thoughts of a second win in five days looked slim after just six minutes.
James Milner was the villain as he stupidly pushed Kamara in the back when the striker was trying to control the ball eight yards out.
The Villa winger was lucky not to be sent off but he was not fortunate enough to see Brad Friedel give him a reprieve as Murphy calmly dispatched the spot kick.
Memories of big recent defeats on the road then seemed to hover over Craven Cottage with the travelling faithful looking on with glum expressions etched on their faces.
Injuries
But, if Martin O'Neill has instilled anything into his side this season it is a fighting spirit away from home.
Milner was back in the good books of his manager as his teasing cross was dummied by John Carew for Young who netted at the back post.
Villa were back with a bang. Suddenly the energy and pace of old had returned.
Gabby Agbonlahor had a spring in his speedy step again and it was the young England striker who launched a quick counter attack from a Fulham corner just before half time.
Agbonlahor reached the opposition area and sent the ball across for Young, who had again made good ground, but this time the winger was unfortunate as his flick deflected back off the upright.
Villa had the chance to impose themselves on the game after half time and O'Neill must have urged his players to remember their mid-season form which saw them win seven straight away games.
Unfortunately, though, many at the club have short memories and an even more limited supply of confidence.
Straight after the restart Kamara struck. The Senegalese striker latched onto a poor Clint Dempsey touch and finished with aplomb past Friedel.
Kamara was only in the team because of injuries to first choice front men Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora. But he certainly staked a claim for a regular place here.
And it was not long until he was hammering that message home with a cheeky back-flick which found the back of the Villa net.
Suspect
Carew's international teammate and the man that he has happily recommended to O'Neill as a potential signing, Brede Hangeland, flicked the ball down from a Murphy corner and Kamara did the rest.
The Claret and Blue had well and truly collapsed with poor defending again the principle cause.
If Villa are to hang their hopes on Brede, it seems clear that they will also need to snap up a centre half to partner him as the current crop of defenders look very suspect.
O'Neill then made one of his strange substitutions involving the full backs, which were common place at the start of the season, as Luke Young and a distinctly unhappy Nicky Shorey trotted off to be replaced by Nigel Reo-Coker and Emile Heskey.
Gareth Barry, Villa's main creative influence, was moved to left back leaving many scratching their heads. It was puzzling.
As anticipated, the change made little difference and Fulham continued to control the game. Zamora came on towards the end and could have made the result even more embarrassing had it not been for Friedel's quick thinking.
It was another long afternoon in what has become a very long season for Villa.
Earlier in the week O'Neill was reported to be worried about burnout for his young players but surely he must know that his fears were realised a long time ago.