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Unai Emery has been quick to downplay Aston Villa’s chances of Champions League qualification, yet their home form means they cannot be ignored in the top four race. This was their 13th consecutive Premier League win at Villa Park – their best run since they were European Cup holders in 1983.
They cruised to victory here through Antonee Robinson’s own goal and strikes from John McGinn and Ollie Watkins to give their supporters a familiar feeling as they walked home down Witton Lane. Raul Jimenez pulled one back for the visitors.
Results elsewhere meant they remained in fifth place in the table but this home form, should it continue, gives them every chance of staying the pace with teams who have eyes on playing among Europe’s elite. They need better results on the road but Emery’s team are living up to their billing as this season’s dark horses.
Emery’s success this season has come despite playing without wingers. His most genuine wide player, Moussa Diaby, was involved in the first goal but plays through the middle. It is down to his midfielders to pick and choose when to drift out wide, which Youri Tielemans did for the opening goal.
The Belgium international collected Douglas Luiz’s pass down the left flank and his cross had enough pace to cause panic in the Fulham backline. Diaby stepped over the delivery and Robinson could not get out of the way, diverting the ball into his own goal.
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