Aston Villa secured their first Premier League victory of the season with a 3-1 comeback win over Fulham at Villa Park.
Fulham made a dream start when Raul Jimenez headed them in front inside three minutes, though the striker was forced off injured shortly afterwards. The visitors pressed for a second, twice appealing for penalties, but were denied.
Villa drew level before half-time after Joachim Andersen misjudged a long ball, allowing Ollie Watkins to pounce and lob Bernd Leno for his first goal of the season—redeeming himself after a midweek penalty miss against Bologna.
The home side grew stronger after the break. A mistake by Adama Traore gifted John McGinn possession, and the Villa captain drilled a low strike into the corner to make it 2-1. Moments later, substitute Emiliano Buendia set up McGinn’s goal and then scored one of his own, marking only the second time in his career he has both scored and assisted in the same game.
Fulham had chances to respond, notably when Emi Martinez’s error handed Sasa Lukic a golden opportunity, only for Ezri Konsa to clear off the line. Villa, however, held firm to claim a vital three points.
⚽ Player of the Match: John McGinn (8/10)
Player Ratings
Aston Villa:
Martinez (6), Cash (7), Konsa (7), Mings (6), Digne (7), McGinn (8), Bogarde (7), Guessand (7), Elliott (6), Rogers (6), Watkins (7).
Subs: Torres (6), Buendia (8), Kamara (6), Malen (n/a), Lindelof (n/a).
Fulham:
Leno (6), Castagne (6), Andersen (5), Bassey (6), Sessegnon (7), Berge (6), Lukic (6), Wilson (6), King (7), Iwobi (6), Jimenez (n/a).
Subs: Traore (6), Kevin (6), Smith Rowe (6), Chukwueze (n/a), Robinson (n/a).
Villa’s second win in a week moves Unai Emery’s men out of the relegation zone, while Marco Silva’s Fulham remain on 10 points, clinging to the top half.
📻 Stay tuned to Almighty FM 103.7 – The Power House of Sports for more tributes, exclusive insights, and coverage of Sergio Busquets’ farewell season.
