Ollie Watkins’ hat-trick inspired Aston Villa to a 10th consecutive home win in the Premier League with a stunning 6-1 victory over Brighton.
Unai Emery’s side scored three goals in 12 first-half minutes to stun high-flying Brighton. Watkins, who has now scored in four consecutive games against the Seagulls, netted a quick-fire double (14, 21) before Pervis Estupinan’s own goal (26) rounded off a perfect half for the hosts.
Brighton, who have now conceded in 11 straight Premier League games, threatened a comeback as Ansu Fati grabbed his first goal for the club (50) early in the second half after a lengthy and controversial VAR check for offside.
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However, just when Roberto De Zerbi’s side were building some momentum, Watkins’s deflected strike (65) secured his hat-trick in front of watching England boss Gareth Southgate before Jacob Ramsey (85) and Douglas Luiz (90+7) added late goals to seal a third straight league win for the hosts.
The win sees Villa move into fourth, level on points with Brighton, who suffered a second defeat of the season.
TEN HOME PREMIER LEAGUE WINS IN A ROW
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 30, 2023
On his side’s impressive home record, Villa boss Emery said: “We have to feel something special at Villa Park and try to create a positive energy between us and the supporters and try to work on the pitch to connect with them.
“We want to compete the same at home and away, we will need time to build the team to be consistent but at home we feel strong with our supporters and the energy the supporters are transmitting to us, we need to keep being consistent at home.”
Akwa United fall to Bayelsa United
At the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, Bayelsa United defeated Akwa United in an eight- goal thriller.
Robert Mizo scored four goals for the Restoration Boys with Jerry Alex also on tget for the hosts.
Oguntayo Seyi (brace) and Mohammed Hadi were the goal scorers for Akwa United.
Former champions Shooting Stars started their campaign on a winning note edging out Plateau United 2-1 in a Nigeria Professional Football League matchday one tie at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan on Saturday.
Ayobami Adekunle opened scoring for Shooting Stars eight
Anayor Ogbonna doubled the advantage for the hosts in the 76th minute.
The visitors fought back immediately with Uche Onwuasanya reducing the deficit.
Four-time champions Kano Pillars fell to a 1-0 defeat against Sunshine Stars in Akure.
