london (AP) – After defeating Fulham 2-1 on Saturday, Aston Villa surged back up to fourth place in the English Premier League thanks to two goals from Ollie Watkins.
Villa surged into the Champions League qualification spots, two points ahead of Tottenham. It was eliminated last week following a 2-1 loss to Manchester United.
The teams switched roles once more following Spurs’ unexpected 2-1 loss to Wolves at home.
At Craven Cottage, Watkins scored goals in the 23rd and 56th minutes to bring his league total to 12. Rodrigo Muniz’s goal in the 63rd minute gave Fulham hope for a comeback.
After stealing the ball from Fulham winger Willian, Watkins drove into the box and fired past goalkeeper Bernd Leno to give Villa the lead.
Villa’s Leon Bailey struck the crossbar prior to Watkins scoring his second goal off a ball from Youri Tielemans.
On Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Craven Cottage Stadium in London, during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Aston Villa, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa celebrates his second goal. (Photo by Alastair Grant/AP)
At the Craven Cottage Stadium in London on Saturday, February 17, 2024, during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Aston Villa, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa collects a flare thrown onto the pitch by his teammates’ supporters after he scores his side’s second goal. (Photo by Alastair Grant/AP)
During Saturday, February 17, 2024, English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Aston Villa at Craven Cottage Stadium in London, Aston Villa’s head coach Unai Emery makes gestures to his players. (Photo by Alastair Grant/AP)
