Marco Silva's Fulham were unable to respond to Villa's attacking firepower. Photo: Getty Images/Darren Staples -html.eip.telegraph.co.uk/a2bef928-4e5e-41f7-8e89-8c1a9073ddbe.html?direct=true&id=a2bef928-4e5e-41f7-89-8c1a28. Mg-Particle Sport-Widget wrp-a2bef928-4e5e-41f7-8e89-8c1a9073ddbe' name='Match summary: Aston Villa vs Fulham' data-truncated='false' data-business-type='editorial' loading='eager' scroll='no'frameborder='0' style='width: 100%; min-width: 100%; border: none; position: static; display: block; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;'>
Unai Emery has been quick to downplay Aston Villa's chances of qualifying for the Champions League, but their home form means they cannot be ignored in the race for the top four. It was their 13th consecutive Premier League win at Villa Park, their best finish since they won the European Cup in 1983.
Here they cruised to victory thanks to an own goal from Anthony Robinson and strikes from John McGinn and Ollie Watkins, giving their fans a familiar feeling as they walked down Witton Lane. Raul Jimenez pulled a goal back for the visitors but it was an ordinary day in pouring rain.
Results elsewhere meant Villa remained fifth in the table but this home form, if it continues, gives them every chance to keep up with the teams that strive to play among the European elite. They need better results away from home but Emery's side are living up to their dark horse status this season.
“We are in week 12 of the season and we need to be consistent,” Emery said. “If we can maintain our current position, it will be difficult in every match. Now we are in the top five and this is a moment to enjoy and be happy.”
After the international break, Villa will be traveling and performing in Europe. If they beat Manchester City, they can equal the club's record of 14 home wins in a row.
“I want to give the players some analysis next week and then try to gather all the energy to prepare for the away games against Tottenham and Bournemouth and then we play City at home. Of course, these will be great matches and great challenges,” said Emery.
Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa since then por. replaced Steven Gerrard. Photo: Reuters/Carl Recine
If he continues this form, Emery could be a contender for manager of the year. Whoever wins the title would be the obvious choice, but in the short time Emery has been at the club he has improved significantly compared to Villa. He was juggling a Europa Conference League campaign but there was no sign he was distracted as Villa continued to cope with the Thursday-Sunday routine.
Success this season has come despite playing without wingers. Emery's truest flanker, Moussa Diaby, was involved in the first goal but plays through the middle. His midfielders decide when to move aside, which is what Youri Tielemans did when he scored the first goal.
The Belgium international intercepted Douglas Luiz's pass down the left flank and his cross had enough speed to cause panic among the Fulham defenders. Diaby stepped over the serve and Robinson was unable to get out of the way, redirecting the ball into his own net.
Anthony Robinson passes the ball wide of his own goalkeeper Bern Leno and puts Aston Villa ahead. Photo: Getty Images/Darren Staples
Robinson was also involved in the second goal, his clearance falling to McGinn, who rounded Joao Palinha and curled up. into the bottom corner before driving away to mark the points.
After the break, Watkins scored from a corner kick. Robinson stumbled in possession and Leon Bailey, who had come on for a couple of minutes, took the lead. After exchanging passes with McGinn, he crossed for Watkins to make the catch. The England striker missed a much simpler chance – an open goal – with a header wide.
Watkins scores for Aston Villa from close range and the striker will now join the England squad. Photo: Reuters/Matthew Childs
Fulham responded with Jimenez scoring his first Premier League goal since March 2022, having gone 33 games without scoring. He came into play after Robinson was sent in on goal, giving hope that Fulham could find a prolific striker in the post-Aleksandar Mitrovic era. They also had goals disallowed for offside as Carlos Vinicius and Jimenez also hit the post.
“We didn't have the ball in the first half and didn't express ourselves,” said Fulham coach Marco. Silvia. “We had one or two chances, but in the first half we didn’t have much possession.
“Villa dropped a bit, waited for us in the second half and tried to punish us on the counter-attack and from the first minute of the second half we were there. The players fought until the end, but a football match is not just half a match.”
After Jimenez ended his goal drought, Silva added: “The next time he goes on the field, he won't be able to so hard”. . It didn't give us a chance for points, but if he keeps working and we keep working for us, he has a chance to win points for us.”
Recent Comments