McGinn Hopes Watkins' Goal Silences Critics

John McGinn
McGinn praises Watkins' performance


Aston Villa captain John McGinn believes Ollie Watkins' goal in their 3-1 win over Fulham will silence his critics.


“The game was going in the direction we predicted and wanted and we had some very good chances before they equalised...”


Aston Villa captain John McGinn believes Ollie Watkins' first goal of the season will silence his critics. Watkins' clinical finish late in the first half sparked a comeback for Villa, who trailed 1-0 after Raul Jimenez's early header for Fulham. McGinn stated, “He [Watkins] has had a lot of criticism in recent weeks, but what he'll get from us as teammates and staff is love and support. What he has given us in recent seasons is nothing short of brilliant.”




McGinn and Emiliano Buendia sealed Villa's 3-1 win with quickfire goals after the interval. Villa's victory marked a significant turnaround, ending their 22-match winless streak against Fulham at Villa Park. The win lifts Villa to 16th place with six points, while Fulham drops to 10th with eight points. McGinn hopes this win marks a change in mood at Villa Park, saying, “It's not an easy place to play when the crowd are on your back, but then when you get momentum, what a place it is to play.”




“What he has given us in recent seasons is nothing short of brilliant. He always has a spell in the season when it doesn't quite click for him but he runs a lot and he works hard and then when he gets the ball you expect that he will score.


“Hopefully that shuts a few people up.”


Aston Villa's thrilling 3-1 comeback victory over Fulham marked their first league win of the season, ending the longest wait for a win since the 1969-70 season. This hard-fought win lifted the team to 16th place with six points. Captain John McGinn expressed his hope that this win would bring a change in mood at Villa Park, saying, “It's not an easy place to play when the crowd are on your back, but then when you get momentum, what a place it is to play.” Ollie Watkins' goal in the match was a crucial milestone, potentially silencing his critics.


Aston Villa's upcoming schedule is packed with key matches, starting with a Europa League trip to Feyenoord. Domestically, they'll host promoted Burnley next weekend before facing a challenging run of league fixtures after the international break. Captain John McGinn emphasized the importance of building momentum, saying, "It's huge for us to try and build some momentum". With several tough matches on the horizon, Villa will look to carry the confidence and positivity from their win over Fulham into their upcoming fixtures.


“It can change quickly but we're not getting carried away. We have turned a little corner the last few games but that doesn't mean anything," he said.


“It's about recovering now and then back here next Sunday to try and pick up another win in the league.”


Fulham had the upper hand early on, with Raul Jimenez heading in a Sasa Lukic corner to put them ahead. The visitors looked poised for a third consecutive Premier League win, but Aston Villa's fortunes changed when Ollie Watkins scored, sparking a turnaround. Fulham's momentum waned after Watkins' goal, and they ultimately succumbed to Villa's resurgence, losing 3-1. This result marked Fulham's first loss in their last 22 visits to Villa Park.




“The game was going in the direction we predicted and wanted and we had some very good chances before they equalised,” Silva said. “Other good moments from us and then after we concede a goal we shouldn't, you can't concede a goal like this.”


What's Next for Villa?

Europa League Match: Villa will face Feyenoord in the Europa League
Upcoming League Match: Villa will host promoted Burnley next weekend
Tough Fixtures Ahead: Villa faces a challenging run of league fixtures after the international break.


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