Watkins Sparks Aston Villa Revival For First Premier League Win

Ollie Watkins ended his goal drought as Aston Villa came from behind to defeat Fulham 3-1, marking their first Premier League win of the season on Sunday.

Champions League quarter-finalists last season, Villa began the day in the relegation zone after earning just three points from their opening five league games.

Unai Emery’s side got off to a dismal start when Raul Jimenez headed in Sasa Lukic’s corner after just three minutes. Fulham felt aggrieved for not being further ahead after dominating the opening half-hour, with two strong penalty appeals denied.

Josh King was harshly booked for diving when he was clipped while attempting to round Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez. Matty Cash then escaped claims for handball when he blocked King’s goal-bound effort.

Watkins’ long wait for a goal has significantly contributed to Villa’s sluggish start to the season, having even missed a penalty in Thursday’s 1-0 Europa League win over Bologna.

However, he finally found the net with a cushioned lob over Bernd Leno just before half-time, turning the game around. Villa then took control, scoring two goals in quick succession just after the break, with John McGinn blasting into the bottom corner from outside the box to give the home side the lead.