Watkins Ends Drought as Villa Finally Break Through Against Fulham

Unai Emery’s roar on the touchline told its own story. Relief, defiance, and perhaps the sense of a season finally stirring into life. Aston Villa, winless in their first five Premier League games, found their spark in a 3-1 comeback against Fulham at Villa Park.

Raul Jiménez had stunned the home crowd with an early third-minute opener, threatening to extend Villa’s malaise. But Ollie Watkins, under fire after a barren run of 700 minutes without a league goal, lifted the ball over Bernd Leno to equalise and ignite a turnaround that captain John McGinn and substitute Emi Buendía sealed with quickfire strikes.

It was Villa’s first league win of the season – the latest they have ever recorded a maiden top-flight victory since 1969-70, when they waited until matchday 10 in the second tier. For a side with European ambitions, Emery knew that patience was already running thin.

Fulham, meanwhile, extended their dismal record at Villa Park, now just one win in their last 22 visits. Their frustration deepened after Josh King was booked for simulation instead of earning a first-half penalty against Emi Martínez – moments before their second-half collapse gifted Villa the contest.

Watkins’ goal was symbolic. The England striker has often carried Villa’s attack since joining from Brentford, becoming the club’s record Premier League scorer with 76 goals. But his form had dipped, drawing sharp criticism after a costly penalty miss against Bologna in midweek. His finish against Fulham, however, released the pressure. “Hopefully that shuts a few people up,” McGinn remarked post-match, defending his teammate’s work rate and resilience.

Buendía’s return was another highlight. Injuries and a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen had interrupted his Villa career, but his assist and goal within two minutes of coming on marked his first Premier League strike since March 2023. Emery praised his decision to stay in the summer: “He is showing commitment every day. He will be important this season.”

For Villa, the victory followed their Europa League success over Bologna, hinting at momentum building at last. Emery stressed balance: “We are not where we want to be, but this result helps us connect better and improve.” With just five points separating them from the top four, recovery remains possible.

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