Jhon Durán’s first Premier League goal since September helped Aston Villa secure back-to-back victories, inflicting further misery on struggling Southampton.
The Colombian striker, typically used as a substitute, marked his first league start of the season with a 24th-minute strike that lifted Aston Villa to fifth place. Durán’s clinical finish came after a defensive error from Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who failed to clear a hopeful long ball, allowing the striker to race clear and score.
Unai Emery’s side, now back in form with consecutive wins over Brentford and Southampton following an eight-match winless run, have now moved to within two points of fourth-placed Manchester City, whom they will host on December 21.
In contrast, Southampton’s struggles continue. With just three wins from 15 matches, they sit firmly at the bottom of the Premier League, eight points adrift of safety. Despite showing some promise, Russell Martin’s team failed to capitalize on any chances, with their defensive frailty proving costly once again.
The game itself was largely forgettable. Aston Villa didn’t need to be at their best, while Southampton lacked the necessary quality to recover from another defensive lapse. Villa secured only their second clean sheet of the season, with goalkeeper Emi Martinez largely untested as Southampton struggled to break them down. The visitors remain the league’s lowest scorers with just 11 goals.
Aston Villa Secure Back-to-Back Wins
Aston Villa allowed the game to drift in the second half, unable to build on their lead, but they never appeared in serious danger. Southampton’s lack of attacking threat was evident, and although Lumley saved John McGinn’s effort in injury time, the result was never in doubt.
For Southampton, survival is becoming increasingly unlikely. With just 11 goals scored this season, they are in desperate need of reinforcements, and the January transfer window could be crucial to their chances of staying up. But convincing quality players to join a relegation fight may prove difficult.
Durán’s performance was a welcome boost for Villa. After making a name for himself with several impactful substitute appearances, including goals against West Ham, Leicester, and Everton, the Colombian forward finally earned a Premier League start. Although his goal against Southampton was his first in the league for over two months, it brought his tally to nine goals before Christmas, a solid return for a player who is second-choice behind Ollie Watkins.
This goal could be a turning point for Durán, who has struggled to cement a regular starting place. His previous starts this season have come in the Carabao Cup against Wycombe and Crystal Palace, and in the Champions League against Bologna. Despite his early success, including his stunning winner against Bayern Munich in October, Durán has found himself mostly relegated to the bench. It remains to be seen whether this performance will earn him more opportunities, or if he will revert to a substitute role when Villa travel to RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Tuesday.
As for Southampton, their problems go beyond just the pitch. Their defensive fragility was evident again in this match, as Harwood-Bellis failed to deal with a simple long ball, leading to Durán’s goal. The club’s struggles this season are compounded by off-field issues, including the summer departure of director of football Jason Wilcox to Manchester United. Without an experienced replacement, Southampton’s planning for the summer transfer window was hampered, putting additional pressure on manager Russell Martin.
With the January transfer window on the horizon, Southampton will need to make smart additions to have any hope of avoiding relegation. However, given their current position, attracting the quality needed to fight off the drop will be a tough challenge.
source – BBC
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