Super sub Emi Buendia changes fortunes for Aston Villa to beat Fulham at Villa Park

Aston Villa won their first game of the season with a 3-1 win against Fulham at Villa Park. 

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce examines the three main reasons why the Midlands club won the game.

Watkins’ scoring relief 

Ollie Watkins hasn’t had the best start to his Premier League campaign, not scoring in five games and recently missing a penalty against Bologna in the Europa League. 

There has been so much pressure on the star striker's shoulders this season as the England international has been Aston Villa’s main goal threat since joining from Brentford five years ago. 

However, Watkins finally broke his goal-scoring drought, scoring the equaliser for Aston Villa as he chipped the ball over Bernd Leno.

Watkins looked back to his best with his tireless running into the channels, holding the ball to play other players into the game, and hopefully, his goal can kick-start his season.  

Super sub Buendia 

Emi Buendia was coming into the game 1-0 down after Raul Jimenez scored from a Fulham corner.

Buendia had something to prove as he hadn’t always been given regular minutes from Unai Emery, and he certainly did that. 

Emi Buendia was subbed on at the start of the second half for Harvey Elliot, who had an underwhelming performance.

The Argentine instantly changed the game for Villa after scoring a goal and getting an assist.

Aston Villa captain John McGinn scored the second goal for his side, which makes it back-to-back goals after scoring against Bologna in the Europa League. 

You could see how much that goal meant to the players. It spurred them into scoring a third only two minutes later, thanks to Buendia being in the right place at the right time.

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Defensive structure

Aston Villa were way stronger and resolute in defence in this game, even after conceding in the third minute. 

That goal must have woken the team up as Fulham struggled to create many opportunities afterwards. 

There was one chance in the second half after Martinez lost the ball in the box, but Erzi Konsa was on standby to complete a goal-line clearance, showing why he has been Aston Villa’s best defender for so many years.

Fulham’s record against Aston Villa only gets worse after the Midlands club has won 12, drawn four and lost nine in their last 25 games. 

Winning two back-to-back games is essential for the players' confidence, and hopefully, now they can build upon this for the remainder of the season.

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