Aston Villa returned to winning ways with a significant 2-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday afternoon.
Ollie Watkins netted twice as Unai Emery’s side moved back into the top four after results elsewhere went their way.
Rodrigo Muniz’s second-half goal wasn’t enough for Fulham, who fell to their first defeat in three Premier League matches.
Minutes before Watkins’ opener, Tim Ream thought he had put the hosts in front, only for the linesman to flag for offside.
This feels like a significant win for Aston Villa, especially after last Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United. Villa have made a habit of bouncing back well from losses, with Emery’s side yet to suffer back-to-back Premier League defeats.
With Pau Torres returning at precisely the right time, Aston Villa’s defence remains sturdy despite the recent injury to Diego Carlos. Furthermore, Youri Tielemans deputised well in place of the injured Boubacar Kamara.
Kamara is set to be out until October after sustaining an ACL injury during the defeat to Manchester United.
“We are human and we are going to support the players, particularly with ACL injuries,” he told The Athletic.
“I’ve never had this situation before as a coach. I know Real Madrid have had the same situation (with David Alaba, Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois) with ACL injuries.
“But we have accept it and keep going. We are positive, we work, and try to support the players who will have chances.”
He added: “Maybe with some types of injuries, like hamstrings, there is work you can do in terms of injury prevention, but knee injuries are different.
“But these are not a consequence of our work. Tyrone was injured at Newcastle, Emiliano here at the training ground, and Kamara at Villa Park.”
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