Fulham, Villa win as EPL resumes with tributes to queen

Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey, 3rd right, scores the opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Southampton at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Steve Cooper and Marco Silva, the respective managers of Nottingham Forest and Fulham, carried wreaths as they led their teams out toward the center circle ahead of a pre-match minute's silence for Queen Elizabeth II at the City Ground.

Over at Villa Park, the lights were dimmed, the middle of the field was illuminated, and tributes to the late monarch were displayed on the screens. Later, a soprano sang "God Save the King" in front of the players of Aston Villa and Southampton.

When the clock reached 70 minutes at both matches, fans stood and applauded in memory of the queen - who died last week after 70 years on the throne. Play even briefly stopped.

The queen was remembered and honored with touching tributes as the English Premier League resumed after a two-week break -- prompted by the death of the long-serving monarch -- with wins for Fulham and Villa on Friday.

They were the first two of seven matches taking place in this round of the top-flight from Friday-Sunday, with three games called off because of logistical issues and on safety grounds while authorities make preparations for the queen's funeral on Monday.

The entire round of fixtures was postponed last weekend as a mark of respect.

Steve Cooper and Marco Silva, the respective managers of Nottingham Forest and Fulham, carried wreaths as they led their teams out toward the center circle ahead of a pre-match minute's silence for Queen Elizabeth II at the City Ground.

Over at Villa Park, the lights were dimmed, the middle of the field was illuminated, and tributes to the late monarch were displayed on the screens. Later, a soprano sang "God Save the King" in front of the players of Aston Villa and Southampton.

When the clock reached 70 minutes at both matches, fans stood and applauded in memory of the queen - who died last week after 70 years on the throne. Play even briefly stopped.

The queen was remembered and honored with touching tributes as the English Premier League resumed after a two-week break -- prompted by the death of the long-serving monarch -- with wins for Fulham and Villa on Friday.

They were the first two of seven matches taking place in this round of the top-flight from Friday-Sunday, with three games called off because of logistical issues and on safety grounds while authorities make preparations for the queen's funeral on Monday.

The entire round of fixtures was postponed last weekend as a mark of respect.