- Aston Villa beat Bologna 3-1 on Thursday night in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final
- Ezri Konsa scored the opener, before Ollie Watkins’ double gave Villa a commanding lead
- The striker’s performance sent a clear message to England manager Thomas Tuchel
Ollie Watkins was the difference-maker on Thursday night, netting a clinical brace to hand Aston Villa a vital 3-1 lead in their Europa League quarter-final against Bologna. His double puts the Villans in a commanding position ahead of the return leg at Villa Park. Following the win, a defiant Watkins declared he is “raring to go,” signaling his intent to finish the season in peak form.
The scoreline doesn’t quite tell the full story of the opening exchanges. Playing in a hostile away environment, Villa found themselves pinned back as the Italian side dominated possession and tempo.
However, the tide turned when Ezri Konsa surged forward to net the opener, handing Villa a lead they arguably hadn’t earned yet.
Once ahead, Villa’s talisman took over. Ollie Watkins showcased why he is one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League, netting a vital double. His two goals provided the cushion Villa needed to navigate a difficult European night and effectively killed the momentum Bologna had built in the first half.
Having been overlooked in the latest England selection, the forward used his post-match interview to signal his intent to Thomas Tuchel.
Expressing his “excitement” for the season’s final stretch, Watkins admitted he is “hungry” to maintain this goal-scoring form to secure his place in the upcoming World Cup squad.
In his post match interview after the game, Watkins gave his thoughts on the result.
“It’s massive. The first half, they were putting us under a lot of pressure, and they were dominating the game. I think we got lucky.
“At half-time, I said to the boys, ‘come on lads, we need to wake up. We got lucky, they had a disallowed goal.’ If that turned and it stayed 1-0, it would have been a long way back for us.”
Villa adopted a pragmatic approach from the whistle, appearing content to concede possession and absorb pressure. Bologna looked dangerous throughout the opening stages and will likely wonder how they failed to take the lead during their period of dominance.
However, the Villans turned the tide with a clinical display of timing. By netting a quick-fire double—striking just before the interval and again immediately after the restart—they established a two-goal cushion at the perfect moments to deflate the hosts and seize control of the tie.
“We got the goal from the set-piece, and I think that took the sting out of the game. Just before half-time is a great time to score.
“And then we’ve come out and got the second goal. From there, we looked like we were always gonna go on to score more.”
After the second, Unai Emery’s side was able to control more of the game. It looked like they were going to cruise along until the end, but Jonathan Rowe’s strike in the 90th minute made it a nervy finish. However, in the last phase of play, Watkins scored the third from a corner, and Villa will be feeling far more comfortable.
End of season run-in
The 30-year-old hasn’t had the best of seasons. He has struggled for confidence and lacked the clinical finishing he once was able to have. But now three goals in his last two games have given him a significant boost.
“Back end of the season, I’m raring to go. I could play another 90 minutes right now. I’m excited for the last few games. Obviously next week as well against these (Bologna), so I’m hungry, I’m hungry.”
Watkins work-rate and his ability to hold up the ball so well are crucial to the way Villa play. When you can see he is full of confidence, he can be one of the most dangerous strikers in the world.
If he can begin to find some form, not only will it help his team’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League, but he will no doubt earn himself a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
Villa return to Birmingham with a 3-1 lead and the momentum of an eight-game winning streak in the Europa League.
While Bologna’s performance suggests the second leg at Villa Park will be far from a formality, Emery’s “winning machine” is now the heavy favorite to progress.
For Watkins, the night wasn’t just about the goals it was about proving that even when the team struggles, he remains a world-class difference-maker.
