Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins was delighted with his hat-trick against Brighton and our performance in a brilliant 6-1 win, but wouldn’t be drawn on contract speculation.
The 27-year-old produced a stunning display as he was ruthless and clinical in and around the box, and was rewarded with a hat-trick in a big win for Villa.
READ MORE: Villa player ratings vs Brighton: Watkins sensational in superb win
Coupled with his tireless pressing and defensive work out of possession, he continued to reiterate his importance for us and how Unai Emery wants us to play, but importantly, he added goals to that and built on ending his Premier League goal drought last weekend with his winner at Chelsea.
It’s hoped that he can continue to build momentum now and go on a goalscoring run of form, like he has done in the past, and unsurprisingly he was delighted with the win, his goals and the performance from the team as a whole in an impressive display that temporarily moves us up to fourth place in the Premier League table.
“It was a good performance from us. We bounced back here and they play some good stuff so it is a great result,” Watkins told TNT Sports. “I’m not sure [how many more he’s aiming for]. Hopefully a lot more. [It is] a great day for me.
“There have been a few times this season when I have been disappointed and there is always a chance to put it right. I am going to enjoy it. Someone told me about my record [against Brighton] before the match. Every game I want to score and hurt their defence and it worked today. Collectively, we were second to none. Credit to the boys.
“Always [continuing to develop under Unai Emery]. If I haven’t scored, he continues keep talking to me and telling me to work hard every day and goals will come.”
Meanwhile, perhaps slightly unfairly given he was put on the spot and forced to discuss his personal contract situation in the immediate aftermath of a brilliant performance, Watkins was asked about the possibility of a new deal.
While he wouldn’t be drawn on it and focused on matters on the pitch, Emery continues to suggest that he is hopeful that Villa’s frontman will eventually put pen to paper on a new deal, with his current contract set to expire in June 2025.
In turn, the sooner the better he signs, as this was another reminder of just how pivotal he is for us and the impact he’s capable of making to lead the line so effectively for Emery.
On talk over his contract situation, Watkins added: “I just try and let my football do the talking. My goal is to score goals and help the team win. What happens off the pitch is separate.”
"Collectively as a team, we were second to none!" 🙌
Ollie Watkins on 'perfect day at the office' after scoring a hat-trick for Aston Villa against Brighton!
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 30, 2023