Watkins Silences Critics as Villa Kick-Start Their Season

Unai Emery’s passion was unmistakable. The Aston Villa head coach, usually so composed on the touchline, punched the air in delight as his side finally ended their winless league run with a 3-1 comeback victory over Fulham at Villa Park.

It was a much-needed relief for Villa after a sluggish start to the season — five games without a win and only one league goal before Fulham’s visit. When Raul Jimenez struck early for the visitors, the tension grew. But Ollie Watkins’ long-awaited equaliser, followed by quickfire goals from John McGinn and Emi Buendia, turned a nervy afternoon into a confident first league win of the campaign.

The victory not only extended Fulham’s miserable record at Villa Park — one win in 22 visits — but also offered a platform for Emery’s men to rebuild momentum. Coming just days after a Europa League triumph against Bologna, Villa suddenly look like a team ready to fight back.

Watkins Lifts the Weight Off His Shoulders

No player embodied Villa’s revival more than Ollie Watkins. After 700 minutes without a Premier League goal and intense scrutiny following his missed penalty against Bologna, the striker coolly lifted the ball over Bernd Leno to draw Villa level. It was his fifth strike in as many league games against Fulham, but perhaps his sweetest.

“He’s had criticism, but what he’s given us in recent seasons has been brilliant,” captain John McGinn told Match of the Day. “He always works tirelessly, and we know once he scores, more will follow. Hopefully that shuts a few people up.”

Watkins, already Villa’s record Premier League goalscorer with 76 goals, showed his instincts are still sharp. Former England striker Ellen White praised his finish:

“When strikers go nine games without scoring, it weighs heavily. But today’s goal was a beautiful finish — a moment of instinct, not overthinking. You could see the relief.”

Emery was equally encouraged:

“Hopefully he can keep going. The goals are the consequence of his focus and hard work. Today was another important step forward.”

Buendia’s Timely Return

If Watkins’ goal lifted the pressure, Buendia’s cameo electrified the occasion. Introduced at half-time, the Argentine assisted McGinn before scoring himself just two minutes later — his first Premier League goal since March 2023.

Buendia’s story makes the moment even sweeter. Signed from Norwich in 2021 for a then club-record £38m, his Villa career has been derailed by injury, including a serious knee issue that wiped out his entire 2023-24 season. Loaned to Bayer Leverkusen last term, he was tipped to leave again this summer — but chose to stay and fight for his place.

“He wanted to stay, he wanted to commit to Aston Villa,” Emery said. “Today he showed his quality, energy, and determination. He will be very important this year.”

For Buendia, the goal was deeply personal:

“It’s amazing. After injury and low moments, I worked so hard to get back. To score again in the Premier League means everything.”

Emery Urges Balance, but Momentum Builds

Despite their poor start, Villa sit just five points off the top four. Emery urged caution but acknowledged the significance of back-to-back wins.

“Our results are bringing balance. We’re not where we want to be yet, but this result can help us improve. The players’ connection and adaptation are vital.”

With Watkins scoring again, Buendia reigniting his career, and McGinn leading with authority, Villa have reasons to believe the storm is passing. The road to recovery may just have begun — and Villa Park felt that spark once more.