Premier League wrap: Wins for Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Brighton

March 09, 2025
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Aston Villa moved to within two points of the top four in the Premier League table after a 1-0 win at Brentford, where Ollie Watkins scored the only goal of the game against his former club.

The England striker, who left west London in 2020, was subjected to jeers by the home fans as his clinical finish in the 49th minute saw Villa continue their hunt for European qualification at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Watkins though he had set up Morgan Rogers to make it 2-0 two minutes later, only to be ruled offside in the build-up following a VAR check.

Jake O'Brien attempting to get past Wolves wing back Rayan Ait-Nouri

Marshall Munetsi's first-half equaliser helped Wolves move six points clear of the relegation zone following a 1-1 draw with Everton at Molineux.

The goal came seven minutes after Everton went in front through Jack Harrison's first goal since February 2024 as David Moyes' side extended their unbeaten run to eight matches.

With Matheus Cunha missing for the hosts and Iliman Ndiaye injured for Everton, both teams were missing key components in attack and it was evident with the lack of quality in the final third during the second period.

The two goalkeepers were not the busiest throughout the evening, but Jordan Pickford did well to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen and Jose Sa kept out Beto with Everton's best chance of the half as both sides settled for a point.

Jake O'Brien started at right back once again for Everton, while Republic of Ireland team-mate Matt Doherty was part of Wolves' back five. Everton captain Seamus Coleman was an unused substitute for the Toffees.

Ismaila Sarr celebrates his late winner for Crystal Palace

Ismaila Sarr scored a late winner in Crystal Palace's 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park to deny relegation-battling Ipswich a much-needed point.

After a drab first half, the contest picked up in the second half, though neither side was able to make the most of their chances.

Just as it looked like the visitors might be able to cling on and share the spoils, Sarr secured all three points for Palace eight minutes from time.

It was some patient work from the Senegal international that finally paid off when he cleverly worked his way into position before dinking over Alex Palmer, and honoured his goal by using the signature celebration of his currently injured team-mate Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Ireland and Ipswich's Dara O'Shea chases Eberechi Eze at Selhurst Park

Joao Pedro scored a stoppage-time penalty as Brighton finally beat Fulham in the league at the 10th attempt, securing a 2-1 win.

Albion looked set to be frustrated by the Cottagers once again, having never beaten them in nine previous attempts.

But Pedro's spot-kick at the death settled the battle of the European hopefuls in Brighton's favour and moved them up to sixth, just a point behind Manchester City in fourth.

Raul Jimenez's opener for Fulham had earlier been cancelled out by Jan Paul van Hecke's towering header in the first half.