Watkins reveals how videos helped him achieve victory… thanks to ‘clever’ Rogers
Ollie Watkins watched videos to spot Everton’s defensive weakness which allowed them to score the winning goal in Aston Villa’s 1-0 Premier League win at Goodison Park.
England striker Watkins picked up Morgan Rogers’ pass and shot past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 51st minute Villa won away back in the league for the first time since beating Fulham on October 19th.
“He’s a smart player,” Watkins told TNT Sports about midfielder Rogers. “I saw that they were wide open on the counter-attack.
“I saw the room, ran in and Morgan found me. I watched some clips before (and saw) that they always fail.
“I knew there would be times and spaces like that in the game; I just had to be patient and wait for the opportunity.”
A lovely move from Morgan Rogers sees Ollie Watkins break the deadlock at Goodison! 🔥
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/k9zCee6Og2
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Ollie Watkins goals
Watkins has scored two goals and two assists in four games since fellow striker Jhon Duran was sent off in Villa’s 3-0 defeat at Newcastle on December 26.
The 29-year-old has appeared as a substitute in the last four league games, while 21-year-old Duran, who has thrived as a substitute, has made a number of starting appearances.
After Duran returned from his three-game ban against Everton, manager Unai Emery had a decision to make and was rewarded with another hard-working performance from Watkins.
“I always work hard and run for the team” Villa’s top scorer said after his ninth goal of the 2024/25 season. “Maybe I’m a little too selfless.
“You have to do everything for the team. You don’t know when the next opportunity will come; You have to stay in the game and keep that mindset.”
“The goal conceded today was very important.”
Unai Emery shares confidence that today’s result will bring a glimpse of higher goals 🎯
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/2IrV2vteR2
– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 15, 2025
Emery: Villa “broke the spell”
Emery admitted Villa needed to “break the bad spell” away from home. “We had some clear chances in the first half,” said the Spaniard BBC MOTD.
“We tried to apply pressure and gain more control in the second half, but we couldn’t. But we scored points. This victory is very important.”
Villa could find out if they have turned things around on their trip when they visit Arsenal on Saturday (5.30pm), where they won 2-0 in April. Then it’s off to the Champions League in Monaco on Tuesday (5.45 p.m.).
