Watkins scores twice as Villa move into top four with Fulham win
Fresh from ending a six-game winless run last time out against Bournemouth, the Cottagers hosted a Villa side who had not conceded an away goal in any of their previous four competitive fixtures. The hosts were almost caught cold early on when Watkins had the ball in the back of the net, but an offside flag denied the would-be goal – a common theme in the first half.
Soon thereafter, Tim Ream saw his celebrations cut short after Tom Cairney’s free-kick delivery had dropped conveniently at the centre-back’s feet.
Fulham then shot themselves in the foot with a wayward throw-in that eventually made its way to Watkins via Jacob Ramsey, allowing the England international to spin into space and slot in his 12th goal of the campaign. Villa had further chances to increase their lead before the break, with Leon Bailey producing a lovely bit of skill before striking the crossbar minutes later, and Àlex Moreno nodding in from an offside position at the back post.
The home side had certainly been in the contest during the first period, but 11 minutes after the restart, Villa doubled their lead to give Fulham a mountain to climb. An accurate ball through the heart of the Cottagers’ defence allowed Watkins to pick his spot and continue his rich vein of form in front of goal.
However, Fulham soon reduced the deficit when Rodrigo Muniz raced in front of Emiliano Martínez to poke home Antonee Robinson’s low cross and hand the home side some hope.
An exciting finale to the contest featured presentable opportunities for both sides, most notable when Adama Traoré forced Martínez into a stoppage-time save, but ultimately the scores remained as they were, with Villa seeing out all three points.
A fourth away victory in the capital by a one-goal margin lifts the Villans to fourth in the Premier League standings, while Fulham’s three-match unbeaten streak comes to an end.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
