Aston Villa has made history with a record-breaking Premier League run, equaling the club’s record of 21 victories in a calendar year. The team secured this milestone by defeating Fulham 3-1 at Villa Park. This impressive result extends Villa’s home winning streak in the league to 13 matches, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in 40 years. Furthermore, Villa has now won six consecutive home league games in the top-flight for the first time since 1932.
Before their victory over Fulham, Aston Villa suffered their first league defeat since early September, losing 2-0 to Nottingham Forest. However, they quickly bounced back by coming back from a goal down to defeat AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League. With 25 points in 12 games prior to the November international break, Villa remains in fifth position.
Unai Emery’s side started the match on the front foot, with Moussa Diaby having an early opportunity to score, but his shot was saved by Bernd Leno. Villa was initially awarded a penalty when Ollie Watkins’ effort struck Timothy Castagne’s arm inside the box, but VAR overturned the decision.
Despite Fulham’s growing confidence after Villa’s bright start, it was Villa who broke the deadlock. Antonee Robinson turned the ball into his own net while trying to clear a ball pulled across the box by Youri Tielemans. Fifteen minutes later, John McGinn doubled Villa’s lead with a goal from outside the box. Villa’s dominance made it challenging for Fulham to get anything from the game, as Villa has been unbeaten in the past 19 Premier League matches in which they have taken the lead.
In the second half, Villa made Fulham’s task even more difficult by scoring their third goal just after the hour mark. Substitute Leon Bailey initiated a counter-attack and combined with McGinn before finding Ollie Watkins at the back post. Fulham’s Raul Jimenez managed to score a consolation goal in the 70th minute.
Emi Martinez, Villa’s goalkeeper, made a top save to deny Jimenez early in the second half, although Fulham’s move was later called offside. Martinez would have been disappointed to not keep a clean sheet. Meanwhile, Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne, Boubacar Kamara, Douglas Luiz, and Ollie Watkins all put in strong performances for Villa.
Aston Villa’s achievement of equaling the club’s record of 21 Premier League victories in a calendar year is a testament to their strong form and consistency. This record-breaking run is a significant milestone for the club and highlights their progress under Unai Emery’s management. As Villa continues to compete in both domestic and European competitions, they aim to build on their success and secure a spot among the top teams in English football.
