Jhon Duran’s first Premier League goal since September helped Aston Villa claim back-to-back wins, compounding Southampton’s woes at the bottom of the table.
The Colombian striker, typically used as a substitute, marked his first league start of the season with a decisive goal, lifting Villa to fifth in the standings. Under Unai Emery, Villa have rebounded from an eight-game winless streak with victories over Brentford and Southampton. They now sit two points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, whom they face on December 21.
Southampton, meanwhile, remain rooted to the bottom of the table, eight points adrift of safety after losing 12 of their 15 league matches.
The Saints showed early promise but were undone by defensive frailties. Taylor Harwood-Bellis failed to deal with a routine long ball, allowing Duran to capitalize and score in the 24th minute. The goal, the game’s standout moment, exposed Southampton’s ongoing defensive issues.
Villa, though not at their best, secured just their second league clean sheet of the season. Goalkeeper Emi Martinez was largely untroubled as Southampton, the Premier League’s lowest scorers with 11 goals, failed to mount a serious threat. Despite missing chances to extend their lead, including an injury-time save from John McGinn’s effort, Villa comfortably saw out the game.
Southampton’s Uphill Battle
Southampton’s survival hopes look increasingly bleak, with the team lacking the quality to match their effort. While they possess a clear identity under Russell Martin, defensive lapses and a lack of attacking firepower continue to haunt them.
Harwood-Bellis’ failure to handle a straightforward long ball against Villa exemplified their defensive vulnerabilities. To stand any chance of survival, Southampton must make shrewd acquisitions in the January transfer window. However, attracting players willing to join a relegation fight will be a significant challenge.
The departure of director of football Jason Wilcox to Manchester United in the summer also disrupted their transfer strategy. Entering the Premier League without an experienced replacement has put added pressure on Martin, whose squad looks ill-equipped for the fight ahead.
Duran’s Fight for Consistency
Jhon Duran’s performance against Southampton showcased his potential but raised questions about his consistency. Known for impactful appearances off the bench, including winners against West Ham, Leicester, and Everton, the Colombian has struggled to maintain that momentum.
Starting in place of Ollie Watkins, who was rested ahead of Villa’s Champions League trip to RB Leipzig, Duran made the most of his opportunity. His composed finish marked his ninth goal of the season, a solid return for a second-choice striker. However, this was his first Premier League goal in over two months.
Duran’s only other starts this season have come in the Carabao Cup and Champions League. While his winner against Bayern Munich in October remains a highlight, the 20-year-old has yet to prove he can deliver consistently as a starter.
Despite his strong display against Southampton, it is likely Duran will return to the bench in Villa’s upcoming European fixture. For now, the question remains whether he can fully convince Emery that he deserves a regular starting spot.