Gareth Southgate was in attendance as Ollie Watkins netted a hat-trick and helped Aston Villa smash Brighton for six at Villa Park.
Before Aston Villa’s win at Chelsea last week, Ollie Watkins had yet to open his account for the new Premier League season.
Fast forward to the present and he has four goals to his name, including seven goal involvements in the Premier League. Only Erling Haaland has more.
Added to that hat-trick, Villa’s star striker also reached 50 goals for the club and he expressed his ‘delight’ on Instagram to it all.
In a first-half blitz, which saw Unai Emery’s men score three goals in 12 minutes, the team ran riot with Brighton having no answer.
Despite an early goal from on-loan Barcelona star Ansu Fati in the second half, the carnage continued after the break, including Ollie Watkins getting his hat-trick goal.
Pictures did pan to England manager Gareth Southgate in the stands, with Jacob Ramsey also coming off the bench and scoring.
Ollie Watkins blows Brighton away
“What a performance and what an atmosphere,” wrote Watkins on his IG. “Delighted with a hat-trick and to reach 50 goals for this club.”
It’s time for an England recall
Eddie Nketiah was picked in England’s last squad. Whilst it’s all good having the debate about Watkins, Callum Wilson and Ivan Toney, it’s pretty clear that Villa’s star man is miles clear of the Arsenal striker.
It’s baffling that Nketiah is being picked ahead of Watkins, who since the start of last season, is only behind Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah when it comes to goal involvements.
Ever since Unai Emery has walked through the doors, the former Brentford star’s game has gone through the roof and he isn’t showing any signs of stopping.
This form has to be rewarded with an England recall, or else, Southgate will only get a verbal beating from the media.
