Ollie Watkins watched the footage to discover the weaknesses in the Everton defense as he scored the Premier League winner as Aston Villa beat Aston Villa 1-0 at Goodison Park.
England striker Watkins deflected Morgan Rogers' cross into goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's cross in the 51st minute. Villa won away. He played in the league for the first time since defeating Fulham on October 19.
“He's a smart player,” Watkins told TNT Sports of quarterback Rogers. “On the counter-attack, they see it open.
“I see space; I ran into it and Morgan found me. I've watched (and seen) some clips before and they always fall.
“At times like this, I know there will be spaces in the game. I have to be patient and wait for the opportunity.”
A lovely play from Morgan Rogers found Ollie Watkins deadlocked at Goodison. 🔥
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– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt). January 15 2025
Ollie Watkins scored.
Watkins has two goals and two assists in four games since striker Jhon Duran was sent off in a 3-0 loss to Newcastle on December 26.
The 29-year-old had come off the bench in the previous four league games, while 21-year-old Duran made several substitute appearances.
Manager Unai Emery made the decision after Duran was suspended for three consecutive games against Everton, and Watkins was rewarded with an industrious display.
“I always try and run for the team.” Villa's top scorer. Said after the ninth goal of 2024/25. “Maybe I'm too selfish.
“You have to do anything for the team. You never know when the next opportunity will come. You have to keep your mind in the game. You have to keep that attitude.”
“A clean sheet today is very important.”
Unai Emery shares his confidence that today will bring results and look ahead to higher targets.
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– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt). January 15 2025
Emery: Villa 'App'
Emery recognized the need to break their “bad spell” from Villa's home. The Spaniard said: “In the first half we had some clear chances. BBC MOTD.
“In the second half, we tried to push and control even more, but we couldn't. But we scored. This victory is very important.”
Will they be cheated on their travels when Villa travel to Arsenal on Saturday (5.30pm), who won 2-0 in April? Can find out. They will then travel to Monaco in the Champions League on Tuesday evening (5:45 p.m.).