• Saturday, 23 November 2024
Ollie Watkins double helps Villa move into top 4

Ollie Watkins double helps Villa move into top 4

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery called Ollie Watkins "clinical" and "amazing" after the Villa striker scored twice at Fulham to help his side return to the Premier League's top four.

Jacob Ramsey pinched the ball off Willian after a poor throw-in from Antonee Robinson and set up Watkins who slotted Villa into a 23rd-minute lead.

And the England forward deservedly doubled his tally when he buried Youri Tielemans' through-ball just after the restart.

The hosts were gifted a way back into the match as Rodrigo Muniz capitalised on a mix-up between Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez and defender Clement Lenglet.

Martinez was then called into two fine saves in second-half injury time, but Emery's side held on. They now sit fourth in the table after rivals Tottenham were beaten 2-1 by Wolves on Saturday.

"He [Watkins] worked for it," Emery told BBC Match of the Day. "It was a very tough match for him as well and he was fighting with [Fulham defender] Issa Diop.

"He was clinical today and really amazing."

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