Ollie Watkins lauded a “massive” win for Aston Villa, after an emphatic performance at Villa Park saw them beat fellow top five contenders Newcastle United 4-1.
Watkins notched the first of Villa’s goals with just 33 seconds on the clock in B6, becoming the first player in the club’s history to score 15 or more goals in three successive Premier League seasons.
The England striker believes the victory was made all the more impressive given the visitors’ recent form, and was pleased to have been able to avenge defeats in their last three meetings with the Magpies heading into this clash.
Watkins said: “I think it was massive. Newcastle are an unbelievable team. We saw what they did midweek to Palace, and we knew it was going to be tough coming here.
“But the manager got the tactics right and we’ve punished them here today.
“With Newcastle, when we play them away, it’s like it is here today. They’ve put four or five past us a couple of times, so it’s nice to get a bit of revenge and beat them.”
Watkins’ early strike took him level with Gabby Agbonlahor as the club’s joint all-time leading Premier League goalscorer with 74, a record he is determined to break while delivering silverware for the club.
He added: “When I joined the club, in my first interview I said it was something I’ve got my eyes on, winning a trophy and then personally beating the record as well.
“To equal it is nice, I’m just looking forward to when I do (break) it. It’s a great achievement. I think you need to celebrate the little wins.
“People don’t realise how hard it is to play consistently in the Premier League and score goals.
“With injuries, it’s very demanding. This season, coming back from the Euros, I’ve picked up a few niggles and it has been frustrating.
“To do that, and play consistently, score goals, I’m not going to let anyone take it away from me.”
