Aston Villa continued their rise in the Premier League with a 1-0 home win over Southampton on Saturday. Jhon Durán’s first-half strike was the difference, helping Unai Emery’s team secure back-to-back victories in four days.
The match at a rainy and windy Villa Park was hard-fought. Durán, starting his first Premier League game this season, seized the moment in the 24th minute. A long ball from Diego Carlos caught Southampton’s defense off-guard. Durán pounced, raced into the box, and calmly slotted the ball past Joe Lumley.
This was Durán’s ninth goal in all competitions this season and his sixth match-winning strike. The Colombian striker continues to impress, proving he can deliver when called upon.
Southampton Struggles Continue
Despite having more possession, Southampton failed to register a single shot on target. Manager Russell Martin described the lack of attacking threat as “madness.” Defensive errors also cost them, as they have all season.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Nathan Wood’s miscommunication allowed Durán to score. This marked Southampton’s tenth defensive error leading to a goal this season. It is the most by any team across Europe’s top five leagues.
The Saints are still searching for their first away league win this season. They sit bottom of the table with just five points and are eight points from safety.
Villa’s Dominance at Home
Villa’s win extended their unbeaten home run to seven league matches. They have now won four consecutive matches against Southampton without conceding a goal.
Unai Emery made four changes to the side that beat Brentford 3-1 on Wednesday. Ollie Watkins, Villa’s top scorer this season, started on the bench but replaced Durán in the 58th minute. Despite his reputation, Watkins struggled to convert chances, taking four shots but failing to score.
Villa’s defense held firm, with Emiliano Martinez not needing to make a single save. This marked only their second league clean sheet of the season.
Emery and Martin’s Reactions
After the game, Villa manager Unai Emery praised Durán’s performance. “Fantastic. He’s helping us progressively by scoring goals and working hard,” Emery said. The coach acknowledged Durán’s growth and hinted at more opportunities for the 20-year-old striker.
On the other hand, Southampton’s Russell Martin expressed frustration. “Not a single shot on target is madness,” he said. Martin lamented his team’s poor decision-making and lack of conviction in attack.
Champions League and Relegation Battles
Villa’s win pushed them to sixth in the Premier League table with 25 points, just two points off the top four. They now shift focus to their Champions League clash against RB Leipzig on Tuesday.
Southampton, meanwhile, are firmly rooted at the bottom. Time is running out for the Saints to turn their season around.
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