Villa stars produce a fan-tastic response to supporters’ rally cry
IN the space of 72 hours, Villa took two big steps in their pursuit of silverware and Champions League qualification.
Having gone all the way against Lille to book their place in a European semi-final on Thursday night, Unai Emery’s side were greeted by thousands in Trinity Road on Sunday afternoon as fans were called on to make the difference after a gruelling Europa Conference League quarterfinal ahead of their seventh game inside three weeks against Bournemouth.
It speaks volumes of Villa’s character and mentality that they came back from a goal behind at Villa Park, as Dominic Solanke converted from the penalty spot in the 31st minute. But the home crowd rallied behind Villa, who knew what a win could do for the complexion of their season.
After Morgan Rogers levelled before the break, Ollie Watkins grabbed two assists for Moussa Diaby and Leon Bailey to seal three crucial points. Villa have the incentive of moving nine points clear of Tottenham next weekend when they host Chelsea on Saturday night, before Sunday’s north London derby. Here are the talking points.
n Emery: Fans played their part
Since November 11, only the Premier League’s top four teams have won more points than Bournemouth. This had all the hallmarks of a tricky game, given Villa’s lack of rest and the Cherries’ ability to press and set traps across the pitch.
Ezri Konsa was excellent alongside Pau Torres, while Youri Tielemans was outstanding at the base of midfield, allowing the likes of Watkins, Rogers and Bailey to spring on the break when he found angles for passes in behind.
Emery hailed the role the supporters played in helping his players through another testing 90 minutes.
“It’s been a fantastic week,” said the head coach. “The fans made a great atmosphere, which was necessary as well. We were excited and motivated. We played thinking of them.
“It was difficult because we played well, serious, and took control of the game more than them. It was a big effort. Now, we will have more challenges to get fourth and we will fight against Tottenham. We are at the end of the season very motivated.”
n Unplayable Ollie
He might not have got on the scoresheet, but Watkins was absolutely unplayable in the second half. He battled well against Illia Zabarnyi in the first period, but taught the 21-year-old a lesson after half-time. He now has 31 Premier League goal contributions this season (19 goals, 12 assists).
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola said: “He’s an amazing player. Amazing player. He’s not only about goals. He gives them a lot. He pins centrebacks, attacks spaces. He creates a lot. He didn’t score, but he probably deserved to. He gives more than numbers.”
Watkins went into the game one goal shy of equalling Dwight Yorke as Villa’s second-highest Premier
League goalscorer on 60, with Gabby Agbonlahor leading the way on 74. He was also vying to become the first Villa player to score 20 goals in a topflight season since Peter Withe in 1980-81.
As the players made their way back to the dressing room after full-time, Watkins said: “How did I not score?!”
Diaby celebrates key victory
He now has 13 league goal involvements after putting Villa in front in the 57th minute.
“I’m very happy because it was such a strong performance,” said Diaby. “We need to play well to get three points at home in front of our fans. The race for Champions League, it is a good win and a chance to get more points. We know Bournemouth is a good team. A lot of contact, but we had to stay calm to score our first goal. After the second half, we had a really good half, and we scored two goals.”
Rogers continues to impress
The 21-year-old is yet to make his tenth Premier League appearance, but he looks at home already.
Rogers has recorded three goal contributions in his last four matches, scoring in the last two home games.
He made one chance, recorded 41 touches, nine of which were in the penalty box, and also played seven passes into the final third, as well as scoring late in the first half.