Aston Villa claimed a comfortable 3-1 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage this afternoon to take fourth position from Chelsea, who play Liverpool tomorrow.
Unai Emery’s side went down early thanks to a goal from the rejuvenated Raul Jimenez, but the Villains quickly responded through the in-form Morgan Rogers.
After a blistering opening ten minutes, they seemed to settle for a bit before Fulham were awarded a penalty for a handball by Matty Cash in the 24th minute.
However, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez stepped up and saved Andreas Pereira’s timid penalty attempt.
Villa then took the lead in the second half through a brilliant Ollie Watkins header for his fifth Premier League goal this season.
Former Everton star turned pundit Leon Osman highlighted how underrated Watkins’ aerial game is, in awe of his excellent header.
“Watkins is so underrated in the air,” Osman said (via the BBC). “You would always fancy him in a one versus one. He uses the contact from Emile Smith-Rowe to make space for himself, and it is a brilliant header.”
“He had to use the power on the ball to guide it into the net, managed to reach it from behind him to smash it in.”
Despite starting the season slowly, Watkins has now found his rhythm. The England international has missed eight big chances, but hopefully, he will become more clinical as the season progresses.
Issa Diop scored an own goal to make it 3-1, but there was still time for some head loss. Joachim Andersen and Jaden Philogene received their marching orders, and the game ended with 20 men on the pitch.
Villa continue their fantastic start to the season, securing five wins, two draws, and only one loss in the Premier League. Next, they face Bologna in the Champions League, where they have also made a terrific start, before welcoming Bournemouth to Villa Park next weekend.