Aston Villa delivered a stellar performance against Fulham, with Ollie Watkins netting his fifth Premier League goal of the season. This victory marked Villa’s best start after eight games since the 1998-99 season, solidifying their place among the league’s top contenders.
Fulham struck first in the match, capitalizing on a long goal-kick from goalkeeper Bernd Leno. Raul Jimenez chased down the ball, outmanoeuvring Villa defender Pau Torres before firing a precise left-footed shot into the corner of the net. This early lead seemed to give Fulham an edge, but Villa quickly responded.
Just four minutes later, Villa levelled the score when Morgan Rogers unleashed a 20-yard shot that deflected off Calvin Bassey, catching Leno off guard. The deflection turned the momentum back in Villa’s favor, setting the stage for a dramatic encounter.
The turning point came shortly before the half-hour mark when Fulham was awarded a penalty after Matty Cash was penalized for blocking a Jimenez header. However, Andreas Pereira’s low shot lacked power and was expertly saved by Villa’s Emiliano Martinez. This missed opportunity proved costly for Fulham, as it shifted the momentum towards Villa.
As the second half unfolded, Villa seized control of the match. On the hour mark, Watkins made a perfectly timed run to meet a corner from Youri Tielemans, powering a header past Leno to put Villa ahead. This goal underscored Watkins’ status as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards and highlighted Villa’s growing confidence.
Fulham’s woes escalated when defender Joachim Andersen received a red card for bringing down Watkins, leaving Fulham with ten men. To compound their troubles, Issa Diop inadvertently turned a low cross from Lucas Digne into his own net, effectively sealing Fulham’s fate.
Ollie Watkins Shines in Aston Villa Impressive Win Over Fulham
Despite Villa’s commanding lead, the game had one final twist: substitute Jaden Philogene was shown a second yellow card in injury time for a foul on Reiss Nelson. While this was a sour note for Villa, it did not diminish the significance of their victory, which lifted them to fourth in the Premier League standings, while Fulham remained in ninth.
Pereira’s penalty miss was particularly striking, characterized by an awkward run-up and a weak finish that lacked decisiveness. Prior to the match, Pereira had made more passes in the penalty area than any other player in the league, yet his penalty attempt did not reflect that skill. Martinez’s preparation paid off, as he anticipated Pereira’s move and saved the shot, allowing Villa to build momentum.
The Argentine goalkeeper, who was not part of the recent international break due to a suspension, took the opportunity to relish the moment, playfully gesturing to the Fulham crowd and kissing the Villa badge on his shirt. This exuberance further galvanized Villa’s supporters.
Villa’s unbeaten run in their first four away league matches is their best since the 2006-07 season, and with key injured players nearing fitness, the team looks poised to be a formidable force in the league.
Raul Jimenez’s performance also deserves attention. The Mexican striker now has ten goals in his last 12 Premier League starts, including seven in his last seven at Craven Cottage. His road back to form has been arduous, especially after suffering a fractured skull during his time at Wolves in 2020. Jimenez’s recent resurgence raises questions about his role in penalty duties, especially following his successful conversion in a previous match against Nottingham Forest.
Fulham manager Marco Silva may need to reconsider who takes penalties moving forward, especially after Pereira’s disappointing attempt in this crucial match. With the stakes rising in the Premier League, both teams have much to reflect on as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Aston Villa’s thrilling win over Fulham not only demonstrates their strength this season but also sets the tone for a competitive race in the Premier League. With a solid foundation and emerging talent, Villa fans have much to look forward to in the weeks ahead.
source – BBC