Ollie Watkins has professed his delight at his early-season form for Aston Villa.
The striker has hit the ground running since his summer move from Brentford, finding the net eight times in ten games.
Six of those goals have come in the Premier League, and the 24-year-old is pleased with how his first top-flight campaign has begun.
He said: “On a personal note, it couldn’t have gone much better.
“Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I think about how far I’ve come.
“I’m just trying to take it in my stride, and I’m loving it at the moment. Last year I scored a lot of goals, so I was trying to emulate that this year.
“I want to score as many as possible and I’m glad I’ve done that so far.”
Watkins has fit into Villa’s team seamlessly, leading the line and finishing the chances created by the side’s numerous creative players.
Things have also clicked off the pitch, with the striker relishing playing for a club of Villa’s stature.
“Whenever I meet people they’re always saying ‘Up The Villa’ everywhere I go, it’s nice,” he said.
“I didn’t realise how big the club is and how noticed I would be.
“It feels like I’ve been here longer than I have. It’s a nice environment to be in. Everyone’s made me and the other lads who came in welcome.
“I think that shows on the pitch.”
Watkins and his teammates ended a two-game losing streak when they swept aside Arsenal before the international break.
Both defeats came on home turf, and the forward says Villa must put it right when they return to Villa Park to take on Brighton on Saturday.
He said: “The Leeds game, they deserved to beat us. Against Southampton, they did well from set pieces, but I thought we had more chances from open play.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to Villa Park because I love playing there. We need to make Villa Park a tough place to come.”
