Ollie Watkins ended his goal-scoring drought as Aston Villa came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Fulham, marking their first Premier League win of the season on Sunday.
Early Setback for Villa
Champions League quarter-finalists last season, Villa began the day in the relegation zone with just three points from five games.
Their struggles continued early as Raul Jimenez rose to head in Sasa Lukic’s corner after only three minutes, putting Fulham in front.
The visitors dominated the first half hour and were denied two strong penalty appeals. Josh King was harshly booked for diving after being clipped around Emi Martinez, and Matty Cash escaped claims for handball when blocking King’s goalbound effort.
Watkins Turns the Tide
Watkins, who had gone 11 Premier League games without scoring—including a missed penalty against Bologna in Thursday’s Europa League win—finally ended his barren spell with a delicate lob over Bernd Leno just before halftime, bringing Villa level.
The second half saw Villa seize the momentum. John McGinn fired a thunderous strike from outside the box into the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead. Shortly after, Watkins’ clever run behind Fulham’s defense allowed Emi Buendia to convert his low cross, sealing a comfortable 3-1 win.
The victory lifts Villa to 16th place, just two points behind Fulham, who slip to 10th.
Tottenham Held by Wolves in Stoppage-Time Drama
In another Premier League clash on Sunday, Tottenham Hotspur were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers at home.
Santiago Bueno gave Wolves the lead in the 54th minute, but João Palhinha salvaged a point for Spurs with a stoppage-time equaliser.
The draw moves Tottenham to third in the league with 11 points, while Wolves remain at the bottom with just one point from six matches.
(with agency inputs)
