Ollie Watkins Credits Fortune After Aston Villa's 3-1 Triumph Over Bologna
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has openly admitted that his team enjoyed a significant slice of luck during their 3-1 victory against Bologna in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash. The match, held at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, saw Watkins score twice to give Villa a commanding two-goal lead heading into the return fixture at Villa Park.
A Game of Narrow Margins and Crucial Decisions
The encounter was far from straightforward for the Premier League side. Bologna arguably deserved to take the lead in the first half when Santiago Castro's effort was diverted over the line by Villa defender Ezri Konsa, only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR for offside. The Italian side came agonizingly close again shortly after, with Lewis Ferguson striking the underside of the crossbar.
It was Konsa who eventually broke the deadlock for Villa, scoring just before half-time from a set-piece—a goal Watkins described as crucial for taking "the sting out of the game." Watkins then doubled the lead after the break, showcasing his clinical finishing. Bologna's Jonathan Rowe managed to pull a goal back in the 90th minute, offering a glimmer of hope, but Watkins immediately restored the two-goal cushion with a late strike, his fourth goal in the last five games.
Watkins' Candid Post-Match Assessment
Speaking to TNT Sports after the final whistle, Watkins was refreshingly honest about the performance. "It could've been different," he stated. "They had a disallowed goal and if that turns and it was 1-0 and stayed that way it would've been a long way back for us. We got lucky. They played tough today."
He acknowledged Bologna's threat, particularly praising their winger who caused problems throughout the night. "Great finish for his goal and at 2-1 it's all to play for," Watkins said of Rowe's effort. "That other goal, taking a 2-0 lead back to Villa Park, makes it tough for them."
Looking Ahead with Confidence and Hunger
Despite the fortunate elements, Watkins expressed immense confidence and readiness for the crucial final stages of the season. "Back end of the season I'm raring to go," he declared. "I could play another 90 minutes. I'm excited for the next few games. I'm hungry."
He emphasized the need for consistency, referencing Villa's strong performance against West Ham before the international break. "We have to play like that every game," Watkins insisted. "We have to keep pushing, everyone around us is winning. We're in a great spot at the end of the season and it's all to play for."
This result places Aston Villa in a strong position to advance to the Europa League semi-finals, with the second leg scheduled at their home ground. Watkins' form and candid admission highlight both the team's resilience and the fine margins that often decide high-stakes European fixtures.
