Dublin was making just his second appearance for Aston Villa when they travelled to Southampton.
After spending £5.75m on Dion Dublin (via Guardian), Aston Villa would have been hoping that the former Manchester United striker could hit the ground running following his move from Coventry City in 1998. And while his performance on his debut suggested that they had pulled off a good deal, his second game for the club – which came on this day 18 years ago – emphatically confirmed that fact.
Dion Dublin scoring on his Aston Villa debut
Dublin’s first appearance for the Villans saw the forward score twice as John Gregory’s men went on to beat Tottenham 3-2 at Villa Park. And then on November 14th 1998, the Midlands side travelled to the Dell to face Southampton looking to consolidate their surprise position at the top of the Premier League table.
It was Dublin that got Villa off a flyer as he opened the scoring inside the first three minutes.
The first-half would pass without another goal being scored, but it did not take long before the second-half kicked into life as Matt Le Tissier equalised for the Saints.
But Dublin put Villa back in front three minutes later before Paul Merson seemingly put the game beyond doubt 13 minutes from time.
But it was Dublin who had the final say as he completed his hat-trick to make the scoreline 4-1 to Gregory’s side with five minutes to go.
The victory would help Villa keep themselves at the table’s summit right until Boxing Day. And while the team – and Dublin himself – would go on a torrid run after the New Year, the campaign undoubtedly confirmed that Villa had the potential to battle right at the top of the English game.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
