Ollie Watkins was “smoking” after both legs against Paris Saint-Germain on the couch, but he used it as a motivation to score in the victory of Aston Villa over Newcastle United.
The striker of England was limited to replacement performances in the quarterfinals draw of the Champions League, while Villa bowed against the Ligue 1 champions after a 5-4 total defeat.
Watkins, however, returned to the line-up on Saturday and took only 33 seconds to find the net, because the side of Unai Emery increased their Champions League qualifying hoop with a 4-1 win.
The former Brentford attacker became Villa's joint leading scorer in the Premier League, with his 74th goal that he moved to Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Watkins could not hide his frustration because he did not play a greater role against PSG, but he was determined to use it to his advantage.
“I played for 20 minutes against PSG in both games,” he told Sky Sports. “I'm not going to lie, I was smoking that I didn't play.
“I leave him [Emery] Know that. He is the manager, at the end of the day you have to respect his decision.
“I am not one of these players who likes to sit on the couch. [It was] Something I have never experienced before, and to miss the biggest stage.
“I think I and a few others were disappointed that we did not start the game, but it was the manager's decision.
A goal and an assist in a huge victory
Ollie Watkins is your player of the game of #avlnew@adidas || #Upthevilla pic.twitter.com/yzzatdcpmo
– Aston Villa (@AVFCofficial) April 19, 2025
“The team played well, but I wanted to stand on the field for much longer. I played a major role to get where we are today, and I want to play in those games.
“You have to use that as a motivation instead of having it impeded.”
Villa moved on points with the fifth placed Nottingham Forest, which they follow on target difference, while they are now undefeated in their last 18 games on the home floor in all competitions.
“We are doing incredible now and we have a great home run,” Watkins added. “We have to keep winning these games.
“We have to win all matches for us and win that Champions League place.”
In the meantime, Emery praised his players for their determination to bounce back from the disappointment of their exit from Champions League.
“We have to feel angry if we don't win,” he told BBC match of the day.
“Of course we enjoyed the Champions League. We have to be proud of our efforts, but we have lost. Always when you lose, you have to be angry and respond.
“[I am] Very proud of how the players responded. In Villa Park we feel so strong with our supporters. [There is a] Good, positive energy and now we compete.
“We have to concentrate clearly on every match, every moment and are like today. I am so happy with how we have responded, but now my thoughts are at the match in Manchester City on Tuesday.”