It does not happen often, so when it does, it deserves to be highlighted. Aston Villa was shown in a positive light by other media outlets. Granted, it was from something that happened 12 years ago, but there is not too much room for pickiness in this regard.
The Premier League X account shared a clip from the 2012-2013 EPL season. In a game against Stoke City, Villa ended up winning 3-1 at the then-called Britannia Stadium.
In what proved to be a critical goal at the time, Villa defender Matt Lowton scored an amazing volley off a corner that gave the visitors on the day a 2-1 lead. It is something that does deserve a second glance. His effort proved to be only the second and last goal while at Villa. For a right back, he made certain to get his full money's worth with that strike.
The reason it was significant at the time, though, was because of the relegation battle that Villa was looking to avoid during that season. Heading into that match, Villa sat on 30 points and were 18th in the Premier League.
When facing Stoke, Gabriel Agbonlahor managed to put the Paul Lambert side on top, but the hosts would later equalize. To have this stunner of a goal from Lowton and then be enough to earn the much-needed three points at the time could not have come at a better moment. Christian Benteke would add one more in stoppage time, but that Lowton wonder strike deserves full appreciation to this day.
Meaningful Aston Villa goal came at opportune moment
An additional win in April and May, along with two draws, provided enough of a cushion for Villa, and they finished 15th in the Premier League that year.
It is never known what can help to spark an uptick in form or inspire a side. Certainly, it is possible that Villa would have staved off relegation regardless. To have Lowton, a right back, provide this amazing goal at a time when the club truly needed it may very well have been a type of catalyst for the Villans that season.