- John McGinn praised Ollie Watkins’ performance against Liverpool after the striker added two goals to his tally
- The captain said, “I wish he was Scottish”
- Aston Villa secured Champions League qualification with the win
John McGinn was full of praise for Ollie Watkins after the striker scored two goals to help Aston Villa secure Champions League qualification with a 4-2 win over Liverpool.
The result means they can turn their full attention to the Europa League final on Wednesday.
It was a game Villa had to perform in after a disappointing display against Burnley last weekend. They were up for it right from the first minute, trying to move the ball quickly to exploit the space through the middle of Liverpool’s midfield.
Morgan Rogers produced a bit of magic to open the scoring just before half-time, before the Reds equalised not long into the second half. However, a mistake by Dominik Szoboszlai allowed Watkins to score his first of the match, as the Villans retook the lead.
With only a one-goal advantage, Villa had to keep the pressure on Giorgi Mamardashvili’s goal. Eventually, Watkins added his second after he converted the rebound from Pau Torres’s shot, and Villa had one foot in the Champions League.
Then, at the end of the game, the captain sealed the deal with a sublime finish into the top corner. Virgil van Dijk managed to reduce the deficit once again, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Villa from returning to Europe’s elite competition.
A Europa League final in Istanbul now awaits them, and they will be full of confidence after tonight’s victory.
McGinn full of praise for Watkins
In a post-match interview with Sky Sports, McGinn heaped praise on Watkins, and discussed how he is feeling ahead of the final.
“We had to get over the line; we’ve lost the last few league performances.”
On being confident on Wednesday: “We need to be. How can you not be? It allows us to be excited and enjoy Wednesday properly.”
On Watkins’ performance: “I wish he was Scottish. He was obviously disappointed in March, but if it gave him a kick up the backside, he’s certainly responded in the best way. We’re so fortunate to have him. What he’s done for this club the past few seasons has been incredible.
“I think he may have just snuck his way onto that plane. Hopefully, he can carry that into next week.”
On the Europa League final: “The supporters have got to enjoy it. We’re slight favourites, but in finals, anything can happen.
“We’ve got to stay focused. It’s what you dream of when you’re young. You’ve got to enjoy it, but have fun.”
ReadAstonVilla verdict
After the fantastic display this evening, Villa will be rightfully confident heading into the final. They need just one more performance to get them over the line and end their 30-year wait for a trophy.
It would tip off an incredible season and be a fitting end to what will likely be the last time this current group of players playd with one another.
Wednesday 20th May, 20:00 UK time against Freiburg. It’s a chance to make history.
