Ollie Watkins breaks scoring drought as Aston Villa beat Fulham for first league win
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Aston Villa's English striker Ollie Watkins celebrating after scoring the equaliser during his side's 3-1 EPL win over Fulham on Sept 28, 2025.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON – John McGinn said Aston Villa “have turned a little corner” after they came from behind to beat Fulham 3-1 at home for their first win of the English Premier League season on Sept 28, with Ollie Watkins ending his barren spell in front of goal.
Champions League quarter-finalists last season, Villa began the day in the relegation zone after taking just three points from their opening five league games.
Said Villa skipper McGinn: “Delighted but relieved at the same time. It has been a very poor start to the season. To lose here 3-0 in the last home game (against Crystal Palace) was tough to take...
“It is not an easy place to play when the crowds are on your back but then when you get momentum, what a place it is to play... We are not getting carried away. We have turned a little corner the last few games but that doesn’t mean anything. It’s about recovering now and then back here next Sunday to try and pick up another win.”
Unai Emery’s men got off to another woeful start when Raul Jimenez headed in Sasa Lukic’s corner after just three minutes.
Fulham felt aggrieved not to be further ahead after bossing the opening half hour.
Twice the visitors were denied strong penalty appeals.
Josh King was harshly booked for diving when he was clipped trying to round Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
Matty Cash then escaped claims for handball when he blocked King’s goal-bound effort.
Said Fulham manager Marco Silva: “I have watched the moments now and for me, they are incredible. I respect and they will try and explain but we cannot understand.”
Watkins’ long wait for a goal has played a major factor in Villa’s slow start to the season.
The England international even missed from the penalty spot in the 1-0 Europa League win over Bologna on Sept 25.
However, his 11-game scoreless streak came to an end with a cushioned lob over Bernd Leno to turn the game around eight minutes before half-time.
Said Emery of Watkins: “He is very important for the team because he was not scoring goals. We needed goals through Watkins, (Emi) Buendia and McGinn... I think our results are bringing balance.”
McGinn added: “He (Watkins) has had a lot of criticism in recent weeks but what he will get from us as teammates and staff is love and support. What he has given us in recent seasons is nothing short of brilliant...
“He always has a spell in the season when it doesn’t quite click for him but he runs a lot and he works hard and then when he gets the ball, you expect that he will score. Hopefully that shuts a few people up.”
Spurred by Watkins’ goal, Villa took control with two goals in as many minutes just after the break.
McGinn blasted into the bottom corner from outside the box to give the home side the lead.
Another Watkins burst in behind created the third as his low cross was fired in by Buendia.
Victory lifts Villa up to 16th, two points behind Fulham.
Said Fulham wide man Ryan Sessegnon: “We started the game very well then conceded quite a bizarre first goal but going into half-time at 1-1, it’s still a decent result but we kind of just collapsed... No real explanations, it’s just poor defending.” AFP
