Aston Villa finally secured their first Premier League victory of the season in a dramatic 3-1 encounter against Fulham, a match highlighted by Ollie Watkins ending his ten-game goal drought. The win was a crucial boost for Unai Emery’s side, who had faced a challenging start to the campaign.

The day began with an early setback for Villa, as Raul Jimenez put Fulham ahead in the third minute. From a Sasa Lukic corner, Jimenez peeled away and expertly headed the ball into the far corner. Despite a VAR check for a potential foul by Sander Berge on John McGinn, the goal was allowed to stand. Jimenez's involvement was brief, however, as he was forced off due to injury just seven minutes later, replaced by Adama Traore.

Villa responded with determination despite the initial blow. The game became scrappy as the home side pushed for an equalizer. It was Ollie Watkins who finally broke his frustrating run without a goal, capitalizing on a long ball from Lucas Digne. When Fulham captain Joachim Andersen missed his attempted interception, the ball bounced perfectly into Watkins’ path. The England striker skillfully lobbed keeper Bernd Leno, with the ball dropping inch-perfectly under the crossbar to level the scores before halftime. The visible joy on Watkins' face marked the end of a goal drought that had stretched back to last season’s game at Bournemouth.

The second half saw Aston Villa take firm control, largely due to the immediate impact of substitute Emi Buendia. Just after the break, Buendia expertly set up captain John McGinn, who fired a superbly placed shot to give Villa a 2-1 lead. Only two minutes later, Buendia got on the scoresheet himself. Watkins raced into the box, cut the ball back, and Buendia forced it home from close range, marking his first Premier League goal in two and a half years.

Fulham nearly pulled a goal back immediately, but Ezri Konsa made a brilliant goal-line clearance. A mix-up in the defense allowed Alex Iwobi to set up Lukic, whose shot was blocked by Konsa, who courageously collided with the post to prevent the goal.

Fulham boss Marco Silva was left incensed by several VAR decisions throughout the match. He vehemently protested the booking of Josh King for simulation during a 50-50 challenge with keeper Emi Martinez, arguing it should have been a penalty. Silva, along with Fulham forward Harry Wilson, received yellow cards for their protests. Post-match, Silva expressed his frustration, stating it was