Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins bagged a brace and an assist to help beat Liverpool 4-2 at Villa Park and secure their place in the Champions League next season.
Villa opened the scoring through Morgan Rogers, but Liverpool responded via captain Virgil van Dijk.
Watkins then bagged a brace before John McGinn netted a beauty. Van Dijk scored again for the Reds to make it 4-2.
The Villa striker was voted Man of the Match and rightly so, following his two goals and assists, which took his tally against Liverpool to eight goals and three assists in 12 appearances.
Former Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp was impressed by Watkins’ performance.
He said (via the BBC): “He is Liverpool’s nemesis – they just can’t handle him. Nobody gives Virgil van Dijk more difficulties than Ollie Watkins. He’s an absolute menace to Liverpool.”
After a difficult start to the season, the England international has rediscovered his form. He has now registered 19 goals and five assists this season.
Villa signed Tammy Abraham during the winter transfer window, but Watkins improved rapidly and consolidated his place in the line-up.
The 30-year-old has now spearheaded the Villains back into the Champions League, and destiny awaits in the midweek Europa League final.
Unai Emery’s side head into the game brimming with confidence, and Freiburg will know they are facing one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking units.
Watkins looks unstoppable again, Rogers is growing into a genuine star, Emiliano Buendia is flying, and McGinn continues to deliver in the biggest moments.
Villa’s fluid movement in the final third is overwhelming opponents. Liverpool could not cope with the relentless intensity and directness pouring from Villa’s front line.
Freiburg are organised and disciplined, but if Villa reproduce this level of attacking sharpness, energy and ruthlessness, their front four should prove far too much to handle.
