Ollie Watkinsplaceholder image
Ollie Watkins | Getty Images
Ollie Watkins believes there was a ‘lucky’ element to Aston Villa’s win over Bologna - but hailed his side’s second half performance in Italy.
Watkins, who has missed out on the latest England squad, netted Villa’s second after the break with Villa already one up thanks to Ezri Konsa.
Jonathan Rowe pulled out back for the Italian side late on - before Watkins bagged a second in stoppage time to hand Villa a two goal advantage heading into next week’s second leg.
Watkins described how a half time wake up call after a fortunate first period turned the game around for Villa.
He said: “It was massive.
“First half, they were putting us under a lot of pressure, and they were dominating the game.
“I think we got lucky. At half-time, I said to the boys: ‘Come on, lads, we need to wake up.’
“We got lucky, they had a disallowed goal, and if that turned and it stayed 1-0, it would have been a long way back for us, because here, great atmosphere as you can see, and they were playing tough today.
“We got the goal from the set-piece, and I think that took the sting out of the game. They were dominating just before half-time, great time to score, and then we’ve come out, obviously got the second goal, and from there, we looked like we were always going to go on and score more.”
After his England disappointment, Watkins has now scored four goals in his last five games, taking him on to 99 goals for the club.
Aston Villa celebrate in their win over Bolognaplaceholder image
Aston Villa celebrate in their win over Bologna | Getty Images
Watkins added: “Back end of the season, I’m raring to go. I could play another 90 minutes right now.
“I’m excited for the last few games, obviously next week as well, against these. I’m hungry.
“I think their winger (Rowe) was causing all sorts of problems tonight. Great finish, 2-1, it’s all to play for.
“So that goal at the end, I think it takes the sting out of the game, and a two-goal lead going back.”
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