Ollie Watkins weighed in on Aston Villa’s late winner over HSK Zrinjski in the Europa Conference League.
Captain John McGinn scored in the 94th minute to give Villa their first victory of the season. Unai Emery’s side needed to gain a result after losing to Legia Warsaw on the opening day.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing at Villa Park, with Zrinjski keeping Villa till the very end. Group E is presently tied, with each team having three points.
“Last minute winner, it’s a great feeling,” Watkins told TNT Sports. I believe many people would have viewed that as a bit of entertainment in the end. Ginny’s goal was fantastic, and the atmosphere was fantastic. “I didn’t even score the goal, but I was ecstatic for Ginny, and we obviously won. I thought the first half was a little flat; when a team comes here and keeps the ball, it’s really difficult and requires patience.”
Watkins knew what he needed to add to the team when he came on as a substitute in the second half. “Whoever you are, you want to bring a little bit of energy and speed to the game when you come on to the pitch.”
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“I tried to do that, but there weren’t many opportunities for me to get in behind, which is what I like to do; it was difficult because they had a lot of men in the box, but we found a way in the end.” When we face them again, they’ll have to come out and score right away, which should give us a little more room.”
Villa believed they had been granted a penalty by referee Urs Schnyder, but the decision was reversed after they were requested to examine the VAR monitor. “He’s really close to me, and I was just trying to guide it towards the goal,” Watkins explained.
“I don’t think it would’ve been harsh if it was a penalty, to be fair. I couldn’t even appeal because I’m looking at the floor so it’s one of them, but I’m glad Ginny got his goal at the end.”
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