Premier League GW12 - Aston Villa vs Fulham

Villa Park was the scene of an exciting Premier League match between Aston Villa and Fulham. Villa, led by Unai Emery, was attempting to win at home for the record 13th time in a row. They faced Fulham, who was trying to get back after a loss.

Aston Villa vs Fulham | Picture Credits: Aston Villa Website

Villa Park Stadium | Picture Credits: Tripadvisor Website

Aston Villa:

Despite their mistake against Nottingham Forest the previous week, which prevented them from finishing in the Premier League's top four, Aston Villa quickly recovered, defeating AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League on Thursday. For the first time in forty years, the Birmingham team is attempting to win a top-flight home game for the 13th time in a row. They have scored three goals or more in each of their five league games at Villa Park this year. Today, Unai Emery's team has the opportunity to tie the club record with 21 Premier League wins in a single year.

Fulham:

Following their 1-0 loss to Manchester United at home the previous weekend, Fulham dropped further in the Premier League rankings, and as of today's match, they are currently ranked 16th. Despite what appears to be a lack of offensive prowess, the Cottagers have not yet experienced back-to-back league losses in 2023–24. In addition to having just nine goals in the league this season, Marco Silva's team has gone seven games without scoring in the first half.

Team Lineups:

Aston Villa (4-4-2):

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
  

• Defenders: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne
  

• Midfielders: John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz, Youri Tielemans
  

• Forwards: Moussa Diaby, Ollie Watkins
  

• Subs: Robin Olsen, Bertrand Traore, Leander Dendoncker, Clement Lenglet, Leon Bailey, Calum Chambers, Nicolo Zaniolo, Jhon Duran, Alex Moreno
  

Fulham (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
  

• Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Tim Ream, Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson
  

• Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Joao Palhinha
  

• Attacking Midfielders: Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Andreas Pereira, Willian
  

• Forward: Raul Jimenez
  

• Subs: Marek Rodak, Harrison Reed, Harry Wilson, Adama Traore, Kenny Tete, Sasa Lukic, Fode Ballo-Toure, Tom Cairney, Carlos Vinicius

First Half: Villa's Commanding Lead

In the sixth minute, Diaby put Leno to the test as Aston Villa made an early statement of dominance. Drama erupted as Villa was given a penalty in the seventh minute, only for VAR to reverse it. Nevertheless, Robinson's own goal in the 27th minute proved to be the reward for Villa's perseverance. With a cool finish in the 42nd minute, McGinn doubled the lead, giving Villa the upper hand at the half.

Villa's two-goal advantage was a reflection of their supremacy at Villa Park. Fulham found it difficult to pose a danger as Villa's defence held strong. Emery's team showed fortitude and composure, continuing their winning run in the Premier League.

Second Half: Fulham's Fightback and Villa's Counter

In the 48th minute, Fulham attempted a rally and struck the post via Jimenez. But in the sixty-fourth minute, Villa made a forceful counterattack, and Bailey's brilliant play set up Watkins to make it 3-0.

When Jimenez converted a cross from Robinson in the 70th minute, he broke his goal drought. Fulham tried their best, but Villa's defence stood firm. Villa came dangerously close to adding a fourth in the 83rd minute, striking the crossbar and missing the rebound. At the end of the game, Villa had won 3-1.

At Villa Park, Aston Villa showed off their skills as they defeated Fulham 3-1. Villa's first-half lead and counterattacking prowess proved pivotal despite Fulham's late goal. Villa won for the 13th time in a row at home under Emery, who saw his team play with tenacity and attacking flair. After the international break, Villa has a big test against Tottenham, while Fulham is facing a difficult time.

Villa Park, Aston Villa's stronghold, is unbroken as they continue to win at home. The exciting match was made more interesting by the dramatic moments, which included own goals, VAR interventions, and Fulham's comeback. The supporters of Villa celebrate the team's continued success at home, which sets up exciting matches in the Premier League. This is the story of Aston Villa's victory—dramatic, resilient, and victorious—until next time.

Robinson's Own Goal, Benefits Villa | Picture Credits: Getty Images

Watkins beats Bernd Leno to score Aston Villa's third goal | Picture Credits: Reuters

John McGinn celebrates his team's second goal | Picture Credits: Cyprus Mail Website

Raúl Jiménez gives Fulham a goal against Aston Villa | Picture Credits: Reuters