Ollie Watkins lauded Aston Villa’s performance as they put a “positive point” on the board in the Premier League, with a 2-2 draw at home to leaders Liverpool.
Having fallen behind in the first half, the Villans roared back to take a 2-1 lead into the interval, Watkins’ header on the stroke of half-time edging them in front, before Trent Alexander-Arnold’s deflected equaliser after the break split the spoils at Villa Park.
The England striker felt, on another day, he and his team-mates might have taken more from the game by way of all three points, and suggested the performance from Emery’s men warranted more.
He said: “It was tough. First half, they made it difficult for us. There wasn’t too much space, especially for myself. No space to run into, playing against two world-class centre-backs.
“But you have to pick your moment. I felt we played really well, we had chances come the end of the game, and minimum, a point is deserved.
“We were in control, were in a good shape, making it hard for them. They didn’t really create too much. It’s a shame we couldn’t take three, but yeah, it’s positive.”
Reflecting on Villa’s home form, Watkins insists there are plenty of positives to take into the latter stages of the season, with 12 Premier League games remaining, along with continued participation in the Champions League and FA Cup.
Watkins scored for the second game running at Villa Park to make it three goals in his last four outings and five in his last eight, and admits feels he is back to his best.
“The boys felt comfortable, and it’s a shame we couldn’t get three points, but we’re unbeaten here at Villa Park for a long time now and we’re making it really hard for teams,” the 29-year-old added.
“They hear the atmosphere, they see the way we play on the front foot, we’re comfortable on the ball and we make it really hard for them.
“I’m just focusing on doing my best every game. We’ve got 12 games now, (I want to) score as many goals as possible.
“I think we can really push on in the Champions League and the FA Cup and we can win something this year, so it’s exciting, and I’m feeling back to my best now.”
