OLLIE GOOD SHOW
Watkins at the double as Villa shock big guns again
OLLIE WATKINS scored twice as Aston Villa blitzed Arsenal and then warned: We can beat anyone.
The £ 31million striker was far too good for Mikel Arteta’s ( below) Gunners as Villa stormed up to sixth spot in the Premier League table, three points off the leaders Leicester with a game in hand.
Dean Smith’s team have proved to be a surprise package aft er putting seven past Liverpool,
and now upsetting
Arsenal. When asked whether there was more to come from Villa, former Brentford forward Watkins said: “I think a lot, you’ve seen tonight and against Liverpool, we’re a great side and we can beat anyone.
“It’s a good three points here against Arsenal at the Emirates.
“We knew they would pass and move it and we had to cut off the lines in midfield. I felt we did that and it gave us freedom to go and play. We’ve conceded a few goals in the last couple of games and it’s how you bounce back and we’ve done that tonight.
“I’m loving it at Aston Villa. There obviously may be some pressure, a new signing and everyone wants you to perform, but I just need to get my head down and get the goals.”
A Bukayo Saka own goal had given Villa the lead, before Watkins hit his brace.
And Villa boss Smith believes that his side can become even better in front of goal. “We’re a threat with the attacking players in the team,” he said.
“It’s really pleasing. They’re all blossoming really well, but there’s more to come from them.
“It’s a really pleasing performance. Lots of facets to it.
“It was a good defensive shift from the whole team. We caused them problems with some of our counter attacking.”