Watkins elated after 'indescribable week' as Aston Villa end season in style

  /  autty

Ollie Watkins was overjoyed as his brace led Aston Villa to a 2-1 win over Manchester City, capping off an "indescribable week" after Villa were crowned Europa League champions on Wednesday. 

Watkins scored twice within 16 minutes of the restart at the Etihad Stadium to complete Villa's turnaround, following Antoine Semenyo's 23rd-minute opener. 

Phil Foden saw a late leveller contentiously chalked off for offside following a VAR review, allowing Villa to take home three points and secure a fourth-place Premier League finish – their highest since the inaugural Premier League season in 1992-93. 

That finish has only added to what has already been a hugely successful season for Unai Emery's side, who defeated Freiburg 3-0 in the Europa League final to win the club's first major trophy in 30 years. 

"I think that's definitely the best week [of my career]," Watkins told Sky Sports after ensuring Pep Guardiola's City tenure came to an end with a defeat.

"It's been an unbelievable week, what we have achieved so far is indescribable. To finish on a high like that today is top. A week to remember. 

"A few boys dropped out because we had a heavy couple of nights. I ended up playing today, everything happens for a reason. I got the two goals and we ended on a high. 

"Really happy with my two goals as well. VAR kind of kills the celebration, it slows it down. Phil [Foden] was unlucky with his, I'm not sure it was offside, but really happy." 

Watkins finished the Premier League campaign with 16 goals, more than any other Villa player, while he has been enjoying a spectacular purple patch with five goals and one assist in his last three league outings. 

The England international is also the first player in Premier League history to pick up a brace against each of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the same campaign. 

Along with England teammate Harry Kane (13), Watkins is one of only two players playing in Europe's top five leagues to have recorded 10 or more goals across all competitions, with Sunday's brace taking his tally up to 11. 

Villa boss Emery echoed his striker's statements on the season, labelling it as "outstanding." 

"It's been an outstanding week and season, especially the way we finished," Emery told BBC Match of the Day. 

"The last three matches, our focus was very important. We recovered our energy and quality to beat Liverpool and Manchester City and finish with 65 points and fourth in the league." 

Related: Aston Villa Manchester City Emery Foden
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