Watkins Delighted After Indescribable Week As Aston Villa End Season In Style

Ollie Watkins delivered both goals as Aston Villa beat Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium, sealing fourth place in the Premier League and ending Pep Guardiola’s City spell with defeat. The comeback win followed a Europa League triumph in the same week, underlining a standout season for Unai Emery’s team.

The result confirmed Villa’s highest Premier League finish since 1992-93, securing fourth with 65 points. It also crowned a period in which Emery’s side defeated Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final, giving the club a first major trophy in 30 years and lifting confidence across the squad.

Against Manchester City, Antoine Semenyo struck first on 23 minutes, but Watkins turned the match after half-time. The forward scored twice in the opening 16 minutes of the second period, completing the turnaround before Phil Foden saw a late equaliser ruled out for offside by VAR after a tight and debated review.

"I think that's definitely the best week [of my career], Watkins told Sky Sports after ensuring Pep Guardiola's City tenure came to an end with a defeat. It's been an unbelievable week, what we have achieved so far is indescribable. To finish on a high like that today is top. A week to remember. A few boys dropped out because we had a heavy couple of nights. I ended up playing today, everything happens for a reason. I got the two goals and we ended on a high. Really happy with my two goals as well. VAR kind of kills the celebration, it slows it down. Phil [Foden] was unlucky with his, I'm not sure it was offside, but really happy."

Watkins closed the Premier League campaign with 16 goals, the best return by any Villa player. The England forward hit five goals and provided one assist across the final three league matches. Watkins also became the first player to score a Premier League brace against Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the same season.

Across all competitions, Watkins moved to 11 goals with the brace against City. Alongside England teammate Harry Kane on 13, Watkins is one of only two players in Europe’s top five leagues to register at least 10 goals. That places Watkins in elite company after a consistently productive season.

Ollie Watkins Aston Villa Premier League Manchester City season context

Emery highlighted both the recent run and the broader campaign after beating Manchester City. "It's been an outstanding week and season, especially the way we finished, Emery told BBC Match of the Day. The last three matches, our focus was very important. We recovered our energy and quality to beat Liverpool and Manchester City and finish with 65 points and fourth in the league."

Villa’s combination of European success and a top-four league finish gives the club a strong platform. Watkins’ scoring form, key results against Liverpool and Manchester City, and the Europa League final win over Freiburg all contribute to a season that stands out in modern Villa history.