Ollie Watkins was delighted to come away with a victory in the first leg of Aston Villa’s Europa Conference League quarter-final against LOSC Lille, but felt they could have had greater reward to show for their efforts.
Watkins headed home his 25th goal of the season to open the scoring at Villa Park, before captain John McGinn doubled the hosts’ tally shortly after half-time with a well-taken finish from 20 yards.
But Bafode Diakite’s glancing header in the 84th minute reduced the arrears for the visitors, ensuring the Villans will take a one-goal advantage into next week’s second leg in France.
Asked whether he was pleased to secure a 2-1 victory, Watkins replied: “Yes, but I think we could have been better.
“It’s tough to concede a goal so late on in the game.
“I felt like we could have put away a few more chances.
“I should be coming off the pitch with two goals, I feel maybe Leon could have scored. We had a lot of opportunities.
“We expect a high level from ourselves. Obviously, I’m delighted we got the win, but I felt like we should either come out with the game 2-0 or it should have been three or four.”
The Villans have now won all six Conference League matches at Villa Park this season, scoring 14 goals in the process, while Lille suffered their first defeat in the competition.
Villa are unbeaten in three matches away from home in Europe since their opening reverse on matchday one.
It means the last-eight tie is finely poised heading into next Thursday’s return clash in Lille.
“We know it’s going to be tough, they’re really good at home, they’ve got good home form,” added Watkins.
“I think they’ve maybe lost one game at home, so we know it’s going to be really difficult.
“Obviously, if it was 2-0 then it gives us a little bit more room to relax.
“Going away from home, with their home record, it’s going to be tough.
“The boys are going to be prepared for that.”
You can watch Ollie’s full interview below…
