Aston Villa 1-0 Southampton: Jhon Duran shines in his first Premier League start of the season with winning goal

Duran made the most of his first Premier League start of the season, scoring a decisive goal in the 24th minute with a precise one-on-one finish. Despite Southampton's efforts, they were unable to register a single shot on target.

Duran, who was replaced by Ollie Watkins in the 58th minute, curled home for his ninth goal in all competitions, while it was his first in the Premier League since September.

Watkins was wasteful when he came on as Villa failed to find a second to prevent a nervy ending, although Southampton could not force Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into a save.

The visitors enjoyed more possession than Villa but were toothless in the defeat, which leaves Russell Martin's side eight points from safety at the foot of the table and without an away league win this season.

Villa, meanwhile, are heading in the right direction having put their eight-game winless run behind them with their second win in four days and they now sit two points off the top four.

Story of the match in stats

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