🔥 Aston Villa vs Fulham: Ollie Watkins Ends Goal Drought as Villa Seal 3-1 Comeback Win
Premier League 2025 Match Report – Villa Park, Birmingham (28 September 2025)
Aston Villa finally secured their first Premier League win of the 2025/26 season with a spirited 3-1 comeback victory over Fulham at Villa Park. The match saw Ollie Watkins break his scoring drought, with John McGinn and Emiliano Buendía completing a quickfire turnaround in the second half.
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⚽ Fulham Strike First Through Jiménez
Fulham made the perfect start as Raúl Jiménez headed home from a Sasa Lukić corner inside the opening three minutes. The early goal stunned Villa, who struggled to find rhythm in the first half, with Watkins misfiring on a couple of occasions before finally finding his breakthrough.
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⚽ Watkins Ends Goal Drought
In the 37th minute, Villa equalized when Lucas Digne lofted a precise long ball over Fulham’s defense. Watkins pounced, looping a clever finish over Bernd Leno. Despite Calvin Bassey’s desperate attempt to clear off the line, the ball crossed, and Villa Park erupted as Watkins celebrated his first goal since May.
Captain John McGinn praised Watkins, saying: “He always has a spell when things don’t click, but this goal will silence a few critics.”
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⚽ McGinn and Buendía Seal the Comeback
Manager Unai Emery introduced Emiliano Buendía after half-time, and the Argentine playmaker transformed the game.
In the 49th minute, Buendía linked up with McGinn, who fired a precise left-footed strike into the bottom corner to give Villa the lead.
Just two minutes later, Watkins turned provider, cutting the ball back for Buendía to slot home Villa’s third.
The quick double crushed Fulham’s momentum and lifted Villa spirits as Emery punched the air in celebration.
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⚽ Late Fulham Pressure, Villa Hold On
Fulham pushed hard in the closing stages, with teenager Josh King impressing but denied a penalty after going down under pressure from Emiliano Martínez. A goal-bound Lukić effort was later blocked heroically by Ezri Konsa, ensuring Villa preserved their two-goal cushion.
Fulham manager Marco Silva was furious with referee decisions, stating: “I have watched the moments again and, for me, they are incredible.”
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✅ Key Takeaways
Final Score: Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham
Goals: Jiménez (3’) | Watkins (37’), McGinn (49’), Buendía (51’)
Venue: Villa Park, Birmingham
Man of the Match: Ollie Watkins (ended scoring drought, assisted one goal)
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📊 Aston Villa vs Fulham – Match Stats (Premier League 2025/26)
Shots on Target: Villa 6 – 4 Fulham
Possession: Villa 53% – 47% Fulham
Corners: Villa 5 – 3 Fulham
Fouls: Villa 12 – 14 Fulham
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