Ollie Watkins Uses PSG Frustration To Score In Aston Villa's Victory Over Newcastle United

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Ollie Watkins expressed his frustration after being benched during both legs against Paris Saint-Germain. Despite this, he channelled his disappointment into motivation, scoring in Aston Villa's win over Newcastle United. The England striker was limited to substitute roles in the Champions League quarter-final, where Villa exited with a 5-4 aggregate loss to PSG. Watkins quickly made an impact on Saturday by scoring within 33 seconds, aiding Villa's 4-1 victory and boosting their Champions League qualification hopes.

Watkins equalled Gabriel Agbonlahor as Villa's joint-leading Premier League scorer with his 74th goal. He admitted to Sky Sports about his frustration at not playing more against PSG, saying, "I played 20 minutes against PSG in both games... I was fuming that I wasn't playing." Despite respecting Emery's decision, he emphasised his desire to play significant matches rather than sit on the bench.

The team performed well overall, but Watkins wanted more time on the field. He has contributed significantly to reaching this stage and desires to participate in crucial games. He believes using such experiences as motivation is essential rather than letting them become obstacles. Villa matched Nottingham Forest on points but trailed due to goal difference. They are unbeaten in their last 18 home matches across all competitions.

Unai Emery commended his players for their resilience after the Champions League setback. Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, he stated, "We have to feel angry when we are not winning... We have to be proud of our effort, but we lost." Emery highlighted the importance of responding positively after losses and praised how the team bounced back.

At Villa Park, Emery noted the strong support from fans and the positive energy it brings. He stressed focusing on each match and moment with clarity. His attention now shifts to their upcoming match against Manchester City on Tuesday. The team's current form and determination are crucial as they aim for a Champions League spot.

Watkins emphasised the importance of maintaining their winning streak at home and securing victories in upcoming matches. "We have got to win all the games in front of us," he said, highlighting their ambition for a Champions League position. The team's recent performances reflect their commitment and drive towards achieving this goal.