Ollie Watkins stormed to the fans of Aston Villa, struck his chest and roared at the top of his lungs, sliding on his knees before his teammates flood him for the traveling support.
How Villa needed it after more than an hour to struggle to break down a stubborn Southampton side in a vital victory in this box simple battle for the top five Champions League places, but above whatever, how Watkins it needed.
A hug and the arrival of Marcus Rashford has spent Watkins on the couch for most of his time in recent weeks, especially for the largest match in the modern history of Villa, their first leg of Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.
It should therefore not be a surprise that Watkins later described his excellent finish at St Mary's, ran to Youri Tieleman's Superb Ball over the top to extend his leg and put his volley over the unrushing Aaron Ramsdale and to put it in the net of the crossbar.
“The importance of it, it keeps us in the fight for the Champions League,” said Watkins. 'The timing of the goal, from the bank comes, not in the starting line-up. Disappointed not to play. Yes, if you consider all of that, I am happy to score.
'I am not happy to sit on the couch. It is disappointing every game I stand on the couch, but it is the manager's decision at the end of the day. He asked me if I was ready to stand up and just said, “Are you ready to make a difference?” I felt that I did that. '
You can say that again. He immediately won a penalty and took the opener seven minutes after walking on the field.
The goal of Watkins was his 73rd in the Premier League for Villa and only moves him behind Gabriel Agbonlaor as the club's scorer in the competition.
Footballers like to claim that they are not aware of such records – not Watkins. “Of course I am,” he said. “That's why I wanted to take the punishment. To match it and another one to get the record. Two more to beat it. I am thinking about breaking it. I will do it at some point and look forward to that day. '
But first the small issue of a quarter-final second stage of a Champions League and the discouraging task of destroying a shortage of two goals against the power of Paris Saint-Germain. Watkins could have done nothing more to earn a start on Tuesday evening.
“It's getting huge,” Watkins added. 'Villapark. An incredible atmosphere. Look, we have nothing to lose. Play against a top team in Europe. Leave it all on the field and I am confident that we can do it. '
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