John McGinn lauded Ollie Watkins after Aston Villa’s first win of the league season against Fulham
16:35, 28 Sep 2025Updated 17:24, 28 Sep 2025
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins scored the equaliser against Fulham
John McGinn hopes Ollie Watkins scoring his first goal of the season in Aston Villa’s 3-1 win over Fulham “shuts a few people up.”
The striker had gone goalless in his first five Premier League games but managed to equalise for Villa against Fulham just before half-time with an excellent finish.
Chasing Lucas Digne’s ball over the top, Watkins then lobbed Bernd Leno with expert precision.
“He has had a lot of criticism in recent weeks but what he will get from us as team-mates and staff is love and support,” McGinn told BBC Match of the Day. “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.”
Villa, who had fallen behind in the third minute to Raul Jimenez, completed the comeback four minutes into the second half as McGinn scored in consecutive matches, firing in from the edge of the area.
Emi Buendia, who came on at half-time, then extended Villa’s lead by converting Watkins’ cross from the left.
“Delighted but relieved at the same time,” McGinn admitted. “It has been a very poor start to the season. To lose here 3-0 in the last home game was tough to take. We actually started well and then we reacted really well to conceding at the corner.
“It is 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. It was important to show belief and confidence in each other. What a win and what a huge show of character for us.
“It can change quickly [form] but we are not getting carried away. We have turned a little corner the last few games but that doesn’t mean anything. It’s about recovering now and then back here next Sunday to try and pick up another win in the league.”
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